Dial-up internet

Dial-up internet refers to an older form of internet access that uses a phone line to connect to the internet. This method was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s before the widespread availability of broadband.

In dial-up, a modem in the user’s computer dials a telephone number to establish an internet connection. Data is then transmitted over the telephone line, resulting in slower speeds compared to broadband connections. Dial-up speeds are usually limited to 56 Kbps (Kilobits per second).

Due to the slow speeds and limited capabilities of dial-up, it is no longer widely used as a primary means of internet access. It is still available in some rural areas where broadband is not yet available, but it is mostly used as a backup option for when broadband connectivity is unavailable.

Dial-up service is generally less expensive than broadband, with some ISPs offering it for free. However, the slower speeds and limited capabilities make it unsuitable for most internet users.