AOL to Charge Same for Dial-Up, Broadband

why anyone would currently pay for aol dialup, when they can get dsl for the same price is beyond me. i guess some people get stuck in their ways, and are resistant (or fearful) of change.

 

There are many who have no choice, particularily in the rural areas.

 

oh. well, since dsl comes in over the phone line, i figured that anyone with a phone line for dial-up could also get dsl. guess not.

 

Most providers will tell you that DSL availability depends on your distance from the nearest phone-switching station ... I could be way off, but the figure 5 km (call it 3 miles) vaguely rings a bell.

Usually no problem in cities, but it could well be unaccessible in rural areas, especially if you're way out in the "boonies".

 

That might be the case in Texas but certainly not with British Telecom here in Scotland. In my area it was only activated on July 6th last year, and there are many in the rural areas will be very lucky if they ever get it, due to the length of their line and still a rather antiquated exchange. My line was laid in 1940 and has never been touched since. I consider myself fortunate that I can get the maximum the line can support. (256kb)