AOL Retires its Dial-Up Internet Service, Leaving Many in Awe that it Existed as Late as 2025
In a significant shift for the tech industry, AOL has announced the discontinuation of its dial-up internet service, set to take effect on September 30, 2025. This marks the end of one of the last major legacy dial-up providers in the U.S., leaving very few traditional large-scale dial-up ISPs still operating [1][2][3][4].
While dial-up internet service remains available in some rural or remote areas where broadband is not economical or feasible, the lack of mainstream providers has left many rural users dependent on small-scale, region-specific providers or switching to alternative technologies [2]. In urban areas, the transition away from dial-up has been more seamless, as broadband infrastructure has become more widespread.
The Decline of Dial-Up
AOL's dial-up user base has experienced a significant decline over the years. In 2015, the company boasted 1.5 million dial-up users. However, as of now, the number of users is in the low thousands [4].
The Need for Broadband in Rural Areas
The Biden Administration has acknowledged the digital divide between urban and rural areas, passing the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2021, which provides discounts on internet plans for low-income households. Moreover, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) aims to expand broadband infrastructure, addressing the lack of high-speed internet in rural and Tribal lands [5][6].
As of now, an estimated 22.3% of Americans in rural areas and 27.7% of Americans in Tribal lands still lack access to high-speed internet. This is in stark contrast to urban areas, where only 1.5% of Americans face the same issue [6].
The Future of Internet Access
As AOL's dial-up service comes to an end, the focus shifts to the expansion of broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas. Wireless and satellite broadband technologies are increasingly replacing dial-up in these zones but have not yet fully eliminated the need for dial-up in some locations with limited infrastructure [2].
Stevie Bonifield, a freelance tech journalist specializing in mobile tech, gaming gear, and accessories, sheds light on this issue, highlighting the challenges faced by those still relying on dial-up. He enjoys indie games, TTRPGs, and building custom keyboards [7].
[1] - AOL to discontinue dial-up internet service in 2025 [2] - The End of Dial-Up: AOL to Shut Down Its Service in 2025 [3] - AOL Announces Plans to Discontinue Dial-Up Internet Service [4] - AOL's Dial-Up User Base Plummets from 1.5 Million in 2015 to the Low Thousands Today [5] - Biden Administration Passes Affordable Connectivity Program to Provide Discounts on Internet Plans for Low-Income Households [6] - Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) [7] - Stevie Bonifield: Freelance Tech Journalist
- Stevie Bonifield, despite his interest in indie games, TTRPGs, and custom keyboards, often finds himself delving into the challenges faced by rural residents who still rely on outdated dial-up technology.
- With the end of AOL's dial-up service in sight, there's a growing emphasis on incorporating wireless and satellite gadgets to replace dial-up in sparsely populated areas, aiming to bridge the technology gap.
- The decline of AOL's dial-up user base serves as a somber reminder of the country's ongoing struggle to ensure high-speed internet access for all, particularly during the current season, when that need becomes even more apparent as people stay home and engage in gaming or work from home.
