AOL will be shutting down after 34 years of service
Remember the annoying screech of AOL dial-up when logging on to the internet. As of September 30, 2025, the once-reliable source of internet connectivity will officially be discontinued after 34 years of service.
Launched in 1991, AOL's dial-up service was, at the time, a trailblazing technology that opened a gateway to the World Wide Web for millions. Not only just a connection--it was a ritual. The modem's chaotic connectivity handshake, the iconic "You've Got Mail" chime, and the thrill of chatrooms and Instant messaging for users defined an era. In the early 2000s, AOL was at its peak, boasting over 30 million subscribers.
However, as broadband internet, fiber, and wireless technologies advanced, AOL's dial-up connection gradually phased out. By the early 2020s, there were only a few thousand users, many of whom resided in rural areas where modern internet infrastructure was still inaccessible.
To the surprise of many, AOL's dial-up is still a necessity. According to 2019 census data, over 250,000 Americans still relied heavily on dial-up service, mainly because faster alternatives were unavailable or unaffordable. AOL's service was a continuous lifeline for these communities, even as the rest of the world moved on. The shutdown will affect AOL Dial-up, dialer software, and the AOL Shield browser. These tools, optimized for older operating systems, will be retired alongside the service.
Not just a provider — AOL had a cultural impact. Its CDs flooded mailboxes and magazines, redefining digital communications, and its branding became synonymous with the early internet. While dial-up ends, AOL continues to offer services such as AOL Mail, ID protection, and tech support. For users affected by system-compromising viruses, Yahoo’s parent company) is offering location-based alternatives, including DSL, cable, fiber, and satellite internet.
AOL's bittersweet goodbye is more than just a technical update — for many, it was our first introduction to the internet. It's hard to believe, even in the present day, that the service still exists. Now, after 34 years, AOL will undoubtedly be missed.
