AOL to Discontinue Dial-Up Internet Service After Decades
AOL is ending its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025, marking the conclusion of a technology that provided initial internet access for millions and became largely obsolete with high-speed alternatives.
BBC NewsAOL ends dial-up internet service after more than 30 years
ARS TechnicaAOL announces September shutdown for dial-up Internet after 34 years
Boston HeraldAOL is finally shutting down its dial-up internet service
Associated PressAOL is finally shutting down its dial-up internet service
Overview
AOL is officially discontinuing its long-running dial-up internet service, signaling the end of an era for a technology that introduced millions to the internet over several decades.
The termination date for AOL's dial-up service is set for September 30, 2025, concluding approximately 30 years of operation since its initial launch.
This discontinuation extends beyond just the dial-up connection, also encompassing associated software like the AOL Dialer and the AOL Shield browser, which will cease to function.
The decision reflects the widespread adoption of modern high-speed internet alternatives, rendering dial-up technology largely obsolete in today's advanced digital landscape.
For many users, the cessation of AOL dial-up represents a nostalgic farewell to a service once synonymous with the early days of online exploration and internet access.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story of AOL's dial-up shutdown with a largely neutral and informative tone, focusing on its historical significance and the natural progression of technology. They provide factual context regarding its decline and current usage, avoiding loaded language that would suggest a particular bias or agenda.