AOL is ending its dial-up internet service: What is it and why is it being shut down?
After three decades of operations, AOL said it will be discontinuing its dial-up internet service on September 30 this year, as per a notice on its website. 'AOL routinely evaluates its products and services and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet. This service will no longer be available in AOL plans,' the company said.
The AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which are optimised for older operating systems and dial-up internet connections, will also be discontinued, according to the company.
AOL's move marks the end of an era for millions in the US who once relied on dial-up internet to get online. For many, the characteristic sound of modems establishing an internet connection over landlines still serves as a reminder of the early internet era comprising glowing screens, chatrooms, emails, handheld computer mice, etc.
With this announcement, dial-up internet joins the ranks of bygone tech relics such as CDs, pagers, and landlines. 'This change will not affect any other benefits in your AOL plan, which you can access any time on your AOL plan dashboard. To manage or cancel your account, visit MyAccount,' AOL said.
Dial-up internet is a form of accessing the internet. It uses a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline to connect to the internet at 56 kilobits per second or less, which are painfully slow internet speeds by today's standards. Access to the web via dial-up internet was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches.
The origins of dial-up internet service is rooted in Usenet developed in 1979 by two graduate students at Duke University in the United States. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP).
CompuServe was among the first companies to begin 'offering a dial-up online information service to consumers' in 1979. AOL's dial-up internet service made its debut in 1991, as per a report by Gizmodo.
However, by 1995, dial-up internet was being left behind in favour of faster cable internet service that relied on existing cable TV infrastructure.
Unlike dial-up, broadband uses more advanced cables, fiber-optic lines, or existing telephone lines (DSL) to deliver a constant connection that delivers speeds ranging from 100 megabits per second to over a gigabit. With these speeds, it is easily possible to download huge files in seconds, play online games, stream 4K videos, etc.
Wifi routers are used to convert wired broadband into wireless signals for use in homes and offices. Wireless internet can also be delivered to a specific location using radio waves from radio towers. There is also a rise in satellite internet networks which provide internet connectivity without relying on cell towers and other terrestrial infrastructure. Instead, a blanket or constellation of satellites communicate with each other through optical satellite links.
AOL was originally founded as America Online back in 1985. The US-based company had over 23 million subscribers in the country during its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was considered to be the most popular internet service provider at the time, gaining a new user every six seconds.
In 1999, Time Warner sought to acquire AOL in a massive $165 billion all-stock deal. It has since been owned by several parent companies. In 2017, AOL shut down its popular internet messaging service AIM. The company is currently owned by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm that also owns web services provider Yahoo Inc.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
MP adopts 112 unified emergency response number, to phase out Dial-100
Madhya Pradesh has officially adopted '112' as its new integrated emergency response number, aligning with global standards such as '911' in the US and '999' in the UK. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav formally launched the service, marking the beginning of a phased transition from the decade-old Dial-100 system. The rollout of Dial-112 is expected to gradually replace existing emergency numbers -- 100 (police), 101 (fire services), 102 (ambulance), and 108 (disaster management). However, these legacy helplines will remain operational for at least one year to ensure a smooth transition. With this move, Madhya Pradesh joins a growing list of states and union territories -- including Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland -- that have already transitioned to 112 as their primary emergency helpline. A senior police official described Dial-112 as 'an integrated, smart, and multi-agency emergency response service, carrying forward the legacy of Dial-100'. He added, 'Given the growing complexity of emergency situations and the need for coordinated responses, the system has been redesigned to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.' With the rollout of Dial-112, citizens will now be able to access a wide range of emergency services -- police, ambulance, fire, women's helpline, cybercrime, highway accident response, disaster relief, and child protection -- through a single number. The upgraded platform is not merely a merger of services but a comprehensive overhaul of the state's emergency response architecture. The new contact centre, equipped to handle 100 agents per shift and supported by a 40-seat dispatch unit, is backed by advanced technologies including SIP-based trunk lines for seamless call connectivity, real-time location tracking, and data analytics. The system also incorporates number masking to protect caller privacy, chatbot-enabled citizen interaction tracking, and exclusive mobile applications for both citizens and police personnel. Transparency and operational efficiency have been prioritised through the deployment of dashboard and body-worn cameras in Field Response Vehicles (FRVs), biometric attendance systems for staff, and fleet management software to monitor vehicle maintenance. These upgrades are designed not only to respond to emergencies but to anticipate and prevent them, marking a shift from reactive to proactive public safety. The launch of Dial-112 builds upon the formidable legacy of Dial-100, which was introduced on November 1, 2015, as India's first centralised, statewide police emergency response service. It deployed over 1,000 GPS-enabled four-wheelers and 150 two-wheelers, equipped with mobile data terminals and location-based systems that allowed call-takers to trace callers in distress and dispatch help swiftly. According to official data from Madhya Pradesh Police over the past ten years, Dial-100 received nearly nine crore calls, of which more than two crore were actionable. Assistance was successfully provided in nearly two crore cases, including over 19 lakh interventions related to women's safety, more than 12 lakh responses to road accidents, and over two lakh cases involving mental health emergencies such as suicide and depression. The service also played a crucial role in rescuing abandoned newborns, assisting senior citizens, and locating missing children.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
LinkedIn announces list of 50 best US colleges for long-term career success: Princeton leads, with Duke, UPenn, MIT and Cornell in top five
LinkedIn has released its first-ever Top Colleges 2025 list, ranking 50 US undergraduate institutions that deliver the strongest long-term career outcomes for their graduates. The rankings are based on the platform's analysis of alumni career trajectories, job placement, graduate school enrolment, network strength, and advancement into senior leadership roles. Princeton University claimed the top spot, followed by Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) and Cornell University. Notably, three of these top five institutions are Ivy League members, highlighting the enduring career value of these prestigious universities. Princeton University – #1 Overall Princeton University, a private Ivy League institution in New Jersey with an undergraduate enrollment of about 5,670, has emerged as the leader in LinkedIn's 2025 rankings. Known for its academic rigour and selective admissions, Princeton also stands out in the real-world career arena, ranking in the top five nationally for both job placement and entrepreneurship or C-suite experience. Its graduates are highly represented in technology, financial services, and business consulting, with many building careers in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington, D.C. The university's emphasis on both technical skills, such as programming in OCaml and Go, and advanced scientific computing has helped ensure that its alumni remain competitive in rapidly evolving industries. Duke University – #2 Overall In second place is Duke University, a private institution in Durham, North Carolina, with an undergraduate enrollment of over 6,500. Duke's career strengths are evident in the industries its graduates dominate, particularly technology, financial services, and consulting. Its alumni have a strong presence in hubs such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, N.C., and are known for skills in areas like MATLAB, AI engineering, and web development. The university's blend of research excellence, professional preparation, and a supportive alumni network ensures that graduates are equipped to thrive in a range of high-demand careers. University of Pennsylvania – #3 Overall, Ivy League The University of Pennsylvania, based in Philadelphia, ranks third overall and is the second Ivy League school in the top five. With an undergraduate population of around 10,500, Penn offers a powerful combination of academic breadth and career-focused opportunities. Its alumni networks are particularly strong in financial services, technology, and consulting, and the university's ties to both New York City and its home city of Philadelphia give students access to major job markets. Skills like scientific computing, data science, and industrial design feature prominently among its graduates, reflecting Penn's interdisciplinary approach to education. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – #4 Overall MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, holds the fourth spot, recognised for its strong record in entrepreneurship, C-suite placements, internships, and recruiter demand. With a smaller undergraduate enrollment of about 4,500, MIT maintains a tight-knit but globally influential community. Graduates from MIT often enter sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and research, and are concentrated in cities like Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York City. Known for its deep technical training, MIT produces alumni skilled in AI engineering, robotics, and web development, making them valuable assets in cutting-edge industries. Cornell University – #5 Overall, Ivy League Cornell University, an Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York, completes the top five. With over 16,000 undergraduates, Cornell combines the scale of a large research university with the prestige of its Ivy status. Cornell graduates generally excel in technology, financial services, and higher education, often working in New York City, the Bay Area, and Boston. Alumni skills in scientific computing, aerospace engineering, and even animation speak to Cornell's broad academic portfolio and its ability to prepare students for diverse and innovative career paths. Harvard University – #6 Overall, Ivy League Harvard University, another Ivy League giant based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ranks sixth in the LinkedIn list. With around 7,100 undergraduates, Harvard continues to be a powerhouse in producing leaders across financial services, consulting, and technology. It is consistently ranked in the top five for entrepreneurship and C-suite experience, and its graduates are especially strong in data science, mathematics, and programming. Harvard's location in the Boston innovation hub and its global alumni connections further enhance its career impact. Babson College – #7 Overall Babson College in Babson Park, Massachusetts, is well-known for its singular focus on entrepreneurship and business education. Ranking seventh overall, Babson is among the top five nationally for both network strength and entrepreneurial success. With just over 2,800 undergraduates, the college offers an intimate but dynamic learning environment that channels students into careers in financial services, technology, and consulting. Graduates often work in Boston, New York, and Miami, and are distinguished by skills in data science, human-computer interaction, and entrepreneurship, reflecting Babson's practical, market-driven approach to higher education. University of Notre Dame – #8 Overall The University of Notre Dame in Indiana, ranking eighth, is especially celebrated for its strong job placement rates. With about 8,900 undergraduates, Notre Dame blends liberal arts traditions with professional readiness, sending graduates into careers in consulting, financial services, and technology. Alumni are concentrated in Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., and frequently possess skills in scientific computing, economics, and architecture. The university's blend of academic values and pragmatic training makes it a consistent performer in career outcomes. Dartmouth College – #9 Overall, Ivy League Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution in Hanover, New Hampshire, ranks ninth overall and is in the top five for network strength. With 4,450 undergraduates, Dartmouth's graduates are highly sought after in finance, technology, and consulting, and maintain strong connections in New York City, Boston, and the Bay Area. Known for skills in MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, and human-computer interaction, Dartmouth alumni benefit from a close-knit community that continues to provide professional leverage long after graduation. Stanford University – #10 Overall Stanford University, based in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, completes the top ten. With 7,555 undergraduates, Stanford has a top-five ranking for entrepreneurship and C-suite experience, reflecting its role as an incubator for innovation and leadership. Its alumni are prominent in technology, research, and finance, with significant representation in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Los Angeles. Skills in AI engineering, MATLAB, and industrial design illustrate the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary, future-focused education. What the ranking says about career preparation LinkedIn's data shows that the strongest long-term career outcomes often come from institutions that combine academic excellence, industry-relevant skills, extensive internship opportunities, and powerful alumni networks. While Ivy League schools dominate the upper ranks, the presence of institutions like MIT, Stanford, Babson, and Notre Dame demonstrates that targeted strengths in innovation, entrepreneurship, and job placement can be equally effective in propelling graduates to career success. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
AOL is ending its dial-up internet service: What is it and why is it being shut down?
AOL's remaining dial-up internet customers will sign off for the last time as the company is permanently shutting down the service that brought the internet to millions in the US during the early 1980s and 90s. After three decades of operations, AOL said it will be discontinuing its dial-up internet service on September 30 this year, as per a notice on its website. 'AOL routinely evaluates its products and services and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet. This service will no longer be available in AOL plans,' the company said. The AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which are optimised for older operating systems and dial-up internet connections, will also be discontinued, according to the company. AOL's move marks the end of an era for millions in the US who once relied on dial-up internet to get online. For many, the characteristic sound of modems establishing an internet connection over landlines still serves as a reminder of the early internet era comprising glowing screens, chatrooms, emails, handheld computer mice, etc. With this announcement, dial-up internet joins the ranks of bygone tech relics such as CDs, pagers, and landlines. 'This change will not affect any other benefits in your AOL plan, which you can access any time on your AOL plan dashboard. To manage or cancel your account, visit MyAccount,' AOL said. Dial-up internet is a form of accessing the internet. It uses a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline to connect to the internet at 56 kilobits per second or less, which are painfully slow internet speeds by today's standards. Access to the web via dial-up internet was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches. The origins of dial-up internet service is rooted in Usenet developed in 1979 by two graduate students at Duke University in the United States. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP). CompuServe was among the first companies to begin 'offering a dial-up online information service to consumers' in 1979. AOL's dial-up internet service made its debut in 1991, as per a report by Gizmodo. However, by 1995, dial-up internet was being left behind in favour of faster cable internet service that relied on existing cable TV infrastructure. Unlike dial-up, broadband uses more advanced cables, fiber-optic lines, or existing telephone lines (DSL) to deliver a constant connection that delivers speeds ranging from 100 megabits per second to over a gigabit. With these speeds, it is easily possible to download huge files in seconds, play online games, stream 4K videos, etc. Wifi routers are used to convert wired broadband into wireless signals for use in homes and offices. Wireless internet can also be delivered to a specific location using radio waves from radio towers. There is also a rise in satellite internet networks which provide internet connectivity without relying on cell towers and other terrestrial infrastructure. Instead, a blanket or constellation of satellites communicate with each other through optical satellite links. AOL was originally founded as America Online back in 1985. The US-based company had over 23 million subscribers in the country during its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was considered to be the most popular internet service provider at the time, gaining a new user every six seconds. In 1999, Time Warner sought to acquire AOL in a massive $165 billion all-stock deal. It has since been owned by several parent companies. In 2017, AOL shut down its popular internet messaging service AIM. The company is currently owned by Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm that also owns web services provider Yahoo Inc.
