Despite AOL's exit, dial-up internet isn't going away

AOL may have discontinued its dial-up internet services, but at least three others still exist as alternatives — yes, even in 2025.

Three providers — Microsoft, Juno, and NetZero — say that they offer dial-up plans, with Juno continuing to offer free dial-up for 10 hours a month, though with a potential major catch.

Over the weekend, the internet discovered that AOL had quietly announced that it would discontinue its dial-up internet services at the end of September. The shutdown will also affect associated software including AOL Dialer and AOL Shield, the company said.

While AOL became synonymous with dial-up internet — and it’s “You’ve Got Mail” notification even became the inspiration for a feature film — customers moved on to DSL and then broadband connections to the open internet