Telecommunications Carriers

Telephone Carriers - Long Distance Carriers - Cell Phone Carriers - Cable Companies - VoIP Providers - Internet Service Providers

AOL Internet Service

AOL is a Virginia-based ISP, which offers dialup and broadband internet access, as well as email, virus protection, and numerous other web services. As of early-2006, it is still the top ISP in the United States, with a total of 18.6 million subscribers (24 million worldwide).

The vast majority of AOL's customers, however, are users of dialup internet access. This customer base is gradually dwindling, as more and more customers switch to the broadband offerings of cable and telephone carriers.

In the past couple of years, AOL has tried to boost the popularity of its own broadband service, but with limited success. Cable and DSL providers like Comcast and Verizon have used their existing relationships with customers to their advantage in capturing the bulk of the ongoing dialup exodus.

AOL now seems almost resigned to the fact that its days as a leading ISP are numbered. The company is now doing its best to remain popular as a free email, instant messaging, and content provider, while building up its presence in the internet advertising industry.