Popular Internet Provider Ending Service In Montana In September

It’s the end of an era for internet users across the country and of course, across the state of Montana. And if I’m being entirely honest, it’s mostly the end of something that is considered nostalgic by many… the end of America Online.

Internet Pioneers Prepare To Pull The Plug For Good In September

Ah yes, America Online. The company that gave us the most signature sound of the 90s and quite simply, the sound of the internet itself.

Sure, it was just a mix of crunching, creaking, high-pitched frequencies, and other sounds that some countries may or may not use during torture sessions… but that warm, digitized “WELCOME” made it all worth it in the end. Then, of course, there were the three words that came as a cherry on top: “YOU’VE GOT MAIL!”

ALSO READ: 5 Important Things To Know Before Moving To Montana

For many of us, it was our first interaction or rather connection, to the outside world beyond a long-distance “collect call” - remember those?

Now, America Online has announced those days will be over for good.

When Will America Online Discontinue Its Longest-Running Service?

America Online recently announced their dial-up services will be coming to an end at the end of September.

“AOL routinely evaluates its products and services and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet,” the longtime internet providers said, “This service will no longer be available in AOL plans.”

“As a result, on September 30, 2025 this service and the associated software, the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which are optimized for older operating systems and dial-up internet connections, will be discontinued.”

ALSO READ: Big Health Insurance Changes Are Coming To Montana In September

Thankfully, we have some great local alternatives for those who might be affected and we have the benefit of living in 2025 - it’s the dawn of a new era. Besides, only 175,000 households in the entire US still use dial-up according to ArsTechnica, so the likelihood of Great Falls being greatly affected are slim, but still possible.

Want a little bit of nostalgia? Check out this throwback commercial for the online service!