- When AOL was first founded in 1983, connections to the Internet were mostly via dial-up modems. Over time, users found the access slow, especially when downloading images and graphics while browsing the web and visiting websites. As the popularity, growth and tools offered on the Internet increased the call for quick access to sites and software requiring more bandwidth grew. Dial-up modems upgraded from 28kbits to 56kbits and added compressors to allow for faster Internet access and browsing speeds. Yet, it was still painfully slow to download and play video games, use chat rooms, other discussion forums, open and read electronic mail on the Internet with dial-up modems. To offer customers faster dial-up, web browsing and downloading capability, AOL worked with in-house technicians, external telephone, satellite and cable providers and created AOL Broadband and offered the service out to their customer base.
- AOL Broadband uses connections like digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber-optic service (FIOS), satellite and cable to connect to the Internet. Telephone wiring with digital coding or cable wiring to residential or business locations allow AOL Broadband users to access and use the Internet a high speeds. Generally, local cable companies provide the connection to the Internet when you use cable to access AOL Broadband. In some instances, users may have to pay for broadband access directly through the telephone or cable company. Should this occur, users will no longer have to pay AOL a monthly membership fee. Instead users will pay the cable or telephone company additional monies to cover the use of broadband. Technical support will also be provided through the cable or telephone company after a user signs up for broadband. Users will still need to download and run AOL software in order to access AOL once connected to broadband. Once you sign up for broadband, AOL will detect the system change and make necessary changes to allow for the faster connection.
- With AOL broadband users can access AOL favorites such as buddy lists, saved favorite websites, AOL sign-on screens such as Black Voices, Beauty and Style and Fantasy Sports. Other features that come with AOL Broadband include access to AOL Broadband radio. The radio channel provides an array of music across a broad spectrum of genres. Users can also open, read and respond to electronic mail quicker, surf the web faster and connect to the Internet on a dedicated line.
- When broadband access is provided through DSL, cable, FIOS or satellite it allows users to access the Internet and use the telephone simultaneously. Standard dial-up Internet access can prevent web surfers from using the telephone while on the Internet which may block important incoming telephone calls. In addition, web surfing is typically 10 times faster with broadband than using standard dial-up. For example, AOL notes that standard telephone dial-up access to the Internet connects users at 56 kbps while broadband connects users at 512 kbps.
- Telephone and cable companies offer bundled packages that may lower the cost of your monthly telephone, cable and Internet connections. Check with your cable, satellite or telephone service provider to learn about the details of available bundled packages. Users can also experience wireless AOL Broadband by accessing the Internet at high speeds with a laptop.
