Dial-up internet is still available in some parts of the United States, but it's rare and getting rarer
Yes, dial-up internet still exists. A small number of internet service providers continue to offer it, mostly in rural areas where broadband infrastructure hasn't reached. However, the number of people using dial-up has dropped sharply — from roughly 30 million users in 2000 to fewer than 250,000 today. If you're looking for dial-up now, you're likely searching because your area lacks broadband options, not because you prefer the technology.
The main providers still offering dial-up are AOL (through Verizon), Earthlink, and a handful of regional carriers. Some of these services cost between $10 and $25 per month, though prices and availability vary widely by location. The speed remains the same as it always was: around 56 kilobits per second, which is roughly 100 times slower than a basic broadband connection today.
Key Takeaways
- Dial-up internet is still sold by AOL, Earthlink, and a few regional providers, mainly in rural areas without broadband access.
- Speeds max out at 56 kilobits per second, making streaming, video calls, and modern web browsing extremely slow or impossible.
- Monthly costs range from $10 to $25, but you also need a working landline phone and a modem that may be difficult to find.
- If dial-up is your only option, satellite internet or fixed wireless from companies like Starlink or Verizon may be faster and more practical alternatives.
Why dial-up is still around despite being obsolete
Dial-up persists because some people have no other choice. Building broadband infrastructure in sparsely populated areas is expensive, and companies prioritize denser regions where they can serve more customers per dollar spent. Rural areas, small towns, and some mountainous regions still lack cable, fiber, or DSL service. For residents in those places, dial-up remains the only internet option that doesn't require a satellite dish or a cell tower.
The other reason dial-up hasn't completely vanished is that some users simply don't need speed. Older adults checking email, reading news, or accessing government websites can function on dial-up if they're patient. Libraries and community centers in remote areas sometimes still maintain dial-up as a backup or primary service. A few businesses also keep dial-up lines active for legacy systems or as a failsafe when primary connections fail.
What you actually need to use dial-up today
Using dial-up in 2024 requires more than just signing up. You need a working landline phone connection — not a cell phone, but an actual telephone line running into your home. You also need a modem, which is the device that converts the phone signal into data your computer can read. Finding a new modem is difficult because manufacturers stopped making them years ago. Used modems are available online, but they're often unreliable and may not work with modern operating systems.
Your computer's operating system matters too. Windows 10 and 11 still technically support dial-up, as do recent versions of macOS, but the setup process is buried in settings and poorly documented. Older computers running Windows XP or earlier work more smoothly with dial-up, which is one reason some people still use them. You'll also need to tolerate the distinctive screeching handshake sound as the modem connects — that noise is the modem and your ISP's equipment negotiating the connection speed.
The practical limitations of dial-up in 2024
Dial-up's 56 kilobit-per-second speed sounds abstract until you try to use it. Loading a single image-heavy webpage takes 30 seconds to a minute. Streaming video is impossible — even the lowest quality streams require at least 500 kilobits per second. Video calls freeze constantly. Downloading a software update or a large file can take hours. Most modern websites are bloated with ads, tracking scripts, and media that dial-up simply can't handle efficiently.
The phone line itself becomes a bottleneck. While you're online, you can't use that phone line to make or receive calls — dial-up and voice calls can't happen simultaneously on the same line. If someone calls your house, your internet connection drops. This was normal in 1998, but it's a serious problem now. Some providers offer call-waiting features that pause your connection when a call comes in, but this interrupts whatever you're doing online.
Alternatives if dial-up is your only current option
Satellite internet from Starlink, Viasat, or Hughesnet is available almost everywhere in the United States, including rural areas. Speeds range from 25 to 150 megabits per second depending on the provider and plan — roughly 500 to 2,500 times faster than dial-up. The trade-off is higher latency (delay), which can affect video calls and online gaming, and higher monthly costs ($50 to $150). However, for email, web browsing, streaming, and video calls, satellite is dramatically better than dial-up.
Fixed wireless from Verizon, T-Mobile, or regional carriers uses cell towers to deliver internet to a receiver on your roof or window. Speeds are typically 50 to 300 megabits per second, and latency is much lower than satellite. Availability depends on whether a tower is nearby, so you'll need to check coverage at your address. Costs range from $30 to $80 per month.
Broadband expansion programs are bringing fiber and cable to previously unserved areas. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is funding projects across the country. You can check whether your area has a project in progress through your state's broadband office or your local government. These projects typically take several years to complete, but they may eventually make dial-up unnecessary in your area.
How to learn about dial-up is available in your area
If you're considering dial-up because nothing else is available, start by confirming that. The FCC's broadband map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov lets you enter your address and see what services are reported as available. This map isn't perfect — some areas are listed as served when they're not — but it's a starting point. You can also contact your local government or county economic development office, which often maintains information about broadband availability and expansion projects.
If you want to check dial-up availability specifically, AOL and Earthlink both have coverage checkers on their websites. Enter your phone number or address to see if service is available. Keep in mind that just because dial-up is technically available doesn't mean it's a good choice — it should be a last resort when satellite and fixed wireless aren't options either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get AOL dial-up?
Yes. AOL dial-up is sold through Verizon and is still available in some areas, though availability is limited and shrinking. You can check AOL's website to see if it's available at your address. Monthly costs are typically $15 to $20, but you need a working landline phone and a modem.
Is dial-up faster than nothing?
Dial-up is better than no internet, but it's barely functional for modern tasks. If your only alternatives are dial-up or nothing, consider satellite internet or fixed wireless first — both are faster, more reliable, and often cheaper when you factor in the cost of finding and maintaining a modem.
Why do some people still use dial-up?
Most people using dial-up today have no other choice. Some rural areas lack broadband infrastructure, and dial-up is the only option available. A small number of people prefer it for simplicity or because they're accustomed to it, but this is rare.
Can I use dial-up on my smartphone or tablet?
No. Smartphones and tablets don't have the hardware or software to connect to dial-up. Dial-up requires a modem and a landline phone connection, which mobile devices don't support. If you need internet on a phone or tablet, you'll need a cellular data plan or Wi-Fi.
Will dial-up internet disappear completely?
Eventually, yes. As broadband expands into rural areas and fewer people maintain landline phones, dial-up will become impractical to maintain. Providers will likely phase it out over the next decade, though some may keep it available for legacy users or as a backup service.