Many Broadband Companies are Looking to Drop Dial-Up
Some customers left without internet access
Some broadband companies who also supply pay as you go dial-up internet access are dropping their dial-up services. Others are raising their prices to push customers over to broadband. Unfortunately for those who do not have access to broadband facilities, such as those in remote rural areas, this leaves them with fewer options for internet access.
Orange 'to close dial-up service' September 2007
Internet provider Orange (who bought over Freeserve's free dial-up business) closed down its AnyTime dial-up package in favour of providing its customers with a broadband only option. These customers, who had no time restrictions on their internet use, were sent a letter in advance of the cancellation of this service
The service closed in December 2007 and Orange said in a statement: "Orange has decided to close the AnyTime dial-up service at the end of this year. This is because we believe that broadband provides our customers with more benefits and greater value for money than AnyTime dial-up."
AOL: Drop Dial-Up, Get Broadband February 2006
AOL revealed in February 2006 that it would raise the price of its dial-up internet access by $2 in an effort to encourage dial-up subscribers to sign up for broadband services provided by the company. Both its traditional service and its new broadband offering will now be priced at $25.90 USD per month.
The new pricing took effect March 9th.
Virgin end Freedom dial-up service November 2007
Virgin contacted its customers to let them know that their Freedom dial-up service would end in March 2008. They were offered the chance to switch to Virgin Media's broadband service at a cheaper rate.