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But regardless, many Internet users – even small businesses that could use speedier access – still cling to dial-up access. Cost may be an issue, with dial-up typically perceived to be much less costly than DSL or other high-speed offerings.
AT&T is changing the equation – for better or worse.
InfoWorld reports that AT&T is raising its dial-up Internet rates so they will be on par with or in some cases * higher * than its DSL rates. New customers will pay $22.95 per month for dial-up. Established customers will see rates rise too. If you were paying $9.99, expect a bump to $15.95, a substantial increase.
It’s especially substantial when you realize that AT&T offers DSL for as little as $10 a month for new customers, InfoWorld reports.
So if you’ve been hanging on to your dial-up line, it may be time to jump ship.
The problem comes when you don’t have DSL access in your area. With no DSL ship to jump to, you’re simply stuck with a 50 percent-plus rate increase with few or no alternatives – unless you have competitive dial-up providers such as Juno or Earthlink serving your community.
