When internet was shut down in Egypt in 2011, people were able to report events to social media using dial up connections.
I'm not sure how relevant this in the US considering nearly all landlines now goes through ISPs anyway.
this post was submitted on 11 Aug 2025
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AOL will stop offering dial-up internet service after more than 30 years in business
(www.mercurynews.com)
Meanwhile MSN Dial-Up still exists for some reason
I remember in 1996, going to a tiny computer shop and picking up a 14k modem for about 30 pounds. He handed me an AOL cd rom and within 20 minutes I was on the web. I will always remember those of beeps and squeaks as the modem connected.
This is actually a problem for people in rural areas where broadband has not reached (and won’t because it’s not profitable). Cellular will be the best option they have left.
Is DSL not available in rural areas? That still uses the phone line and should be significantly faster. I don't understand how people can still even use dial up, can a 56k modem load most websites in a reasonable time frame? I should try throttling my connection and seeing if it's viable.
I was sorting through a box of CDs recently and found a handful of shrinkwrapped AOL disks. Looks like they go for a few bucks each on eBay now, probably for the novelty factor or as frisbees. I should have stashed a few more. :D
When the Circuit City in my neighborhood was shutting down, they set out all their "freebie" items on the sidewalk. There were several HUGE boxes - like 3'x3'x3' aisle display boxes - absolutely stuffed with AOL CDs, and a sign that said "Free". I grabbed a few armfuls and took them home. I used a bunch as frisbees and coasters, but then quickly ran out of uses for them. I would find them in random places around the house for several years after.