After nearly 40 years of service, America Online (AOL) is officially disconnecting from the sound of screeching modems and “You’ve Got Mail.” The company announced it will discontinue its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the pioneers of online access.
The move comes as part of AOL’s routine evaluation of products and services. Along with dial-up access, the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser—both optimized for older systems—will also be retired. The company stressed that other AOL plan benefits will remain unchanged.
A Legacy in the Making
AOL’s journey began in 1985 as Quantum Computer Services, founded by Steve Case, Jim Kimsey, and Marc Seriff in Vienna, Virginia. Initially launched as “Quantum Link” for the Commodore 64, the service offered gaming and educational tools before rebranding to America Online in 1992.
The company revolutionized how everyday users accessed the internet. By 1995, AOL had more than 4 million subscribers, and by 2002, it peaked at 26.7 million users. From its free trial CDs—over a billion sent worldwide—to the instantly recognizable dial-up connection sound, AOL became a cultural icon of the early web.
Milestones & Cultural Impact:
- Iconic Connection Sounds: That mix of static and beeps came from modem “handshakes” at speeds up to 56 Kbps.
- Free Trial Frenzy: AOL trial CDs showed up in magazines, cereal boxes, and even pizza deliveries.
- Online Chat Rooms: AOL created some of the earliest online communities, connecting millions through screen names.
- Record Merger: In 2000, AOL’s $165 billion merger with Time Warner became the largest in history.
But as broadband connections took over in the late 2000s, AOL’s dial-up subscriber base dwindled. By 2015, only 3.4 million customers remained. In many areas, dial-up faded out entirely years ago—but a loyal few kept the connection alive.
Now, with the last chapter closing, AOL’s dial-up service leaves behind a legacy of bringing the internet into living rooms across America.
For account questions, customers can call 1-888-265-5555 in the U.S. or 1-888-265-4357 in Canada, or visit their AOL plan dashboard.
