Dial-up internet service providers

How does dial-up internet work?

Dial-up internet works by taking over the signal of an existing phone line and changing it from communicating voice to communicating data. The amount of data that dial-up internet can transfer via the phone line is very limited, which results in low speeds that do not qualify as broadband.

In spite of dial-up internet’s slow speeds, nearly a million people still use dial-up, thanks to its high availability and relatively low price. If availability and price are also your concerns when shopping for internet, we can help you find the internet plan that’s right for you. Check out our guide to low-cost internet options, or click the button below to shop available providers in your area.

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Is dial-up internet service still available?

Yes, and with a phone line and the right equipment, you can likely get dial-up internet in your area. It’s a great option for those living in rural areas without access to cable or fiber internet and do not want satellite internet.

Top dial-up internet providers

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 12/22/21.

The dial up services listed above are likely to offer up to 56 kbps. Some dial-up internet providers, such as NetZero and Juno, offer accelerated dial-up speeds up to five times faster than basic dial-up internet, but for a higher price. If you’re looking for other cheap internet options, click “View internet plans” below to see what’s available in your area.

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Pros and cons of dial-up internet

Dial-up internet is cheap and readily available, but is it any good? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of dial-up internet.

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Who is dial-up internet best for?

To most, dial-up internet feels more like a throwback technology than a viable option for internet service. However, for those who only use the internet sparingly in their home or for those in rural areas that lack good internet options, dial-up is still an attractive option, especially because of its lower prices. If all you need for internet access is to check your email once a day, then dial-up internet may be the service for you.  

How does dial-up internet compare to satellite internet?

For many Americans living in rural parts of the country, satellite internet and dial-up are their only options for internet service. Although dial-up internet is considerably less expensive than satellite internet, it is not a better alternative for most consumers who only have these two choices. Satellite internet offers considerably faster speeds than dial-up internet and allows consumers to use the internet for popular activities like streaming videos. 

Satellite internet still has several limitations, however, due to its high latency and its low speeds compared to other internet types, such as cable internet and fiber optic. These limitations may decrease in the coming years as Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, continues to advance. However, until fiber optic technology begins to become available in rural areas, reliable, high-speed internet will not be a possibility for most of rural America. 

Dial-up internet FAQs

Can I send or receive phone calls with dial-up internet?

Not when you’re logged in. Dial-up internet uses the phone line while you’re online, preventing you from sending or receiving phone calls. You can, however, use your phone when not using your internet service.

How is dial-up internet different from DSL?

Both transmit data via phone lines, but DSL uses a Digital Subscriber Line, which allows for more data to flow and doesn’t tie up the phone line. DSL does share many of the benefits of dial-up internet, such as availability and price.

How fast is dial-up internet?

Dial-up internet can offer speeds up to around 56 kilobits per second (Kbps). Most internet providers measure speed by megabits per second (Mbps), which are equivalent to 1,000 Kbps. 56 Kbps equals 0.056 Mbps, which is many times slower than speeds you’ll get with other types of internet.

Can I stream TV or music with dial-up internet?

Not likely. The speeds you get with dial-up internet aren’t fast enough for an enjoyable experience. A dial-up connection can, however, give you enough speed to download music as long as you download songs one at a time.

Can you get dial-up internet without a phone line?

No. While there are a few ways to get internet without a phone line, dial-up internet is not one of them. A phone line is required to have access to dial-up internet.

Why does dial-up internet make that noise?

That’s the sound of your dial-up modem connecting with the network. The first few sounds you hear are the dial tone and dialing. Once your modem makes a connection, the remaining sounds you hear are your modem communicating with the network to determine connection quality and speeds.

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