AOL's dial-up internet service killed with a final modem screech after 34 years — America Online goes offline this week, but other dial-up services still exist

AOL has officially discontinued its 34-year-old dial-up internet service, including the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser. At its peak, AOL had over 35 million subscribers, but the service declined in popularity with the rise of broadband and always-on connectivity. While some rural or remote users may still rely on dial-up, alternatives like MSN Dial-Up, NetZero, and Juno exist. The closure of AOL's dial-up service may prompt users to switch to broadband or wireless options like 4G/5G or satellite internet. Additionally, old modems can still be repurposed for tasks like faxing or accessing Bulletin Board Systems.