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Price
AOL provides a reliable internet service since they have been around from the beginning. However, their TopSpeed plan at $23.90/month is significantly overpriced compared to other offerings available in the market. What you do get with AOL is their built-in client browser software, which has many interesting features including a pop-up manager, AOL messenger, e-mail and others. However, all these features are available for free on the Internet today, and many of AOL's features are rather intrusive to surfing the web. Their Broadband offer is also confusing, as they do not offer a Broadband service, but a backup of 10 hours per month in case your current Broadband service goes down, or you need to login to the internet as you travel.
Trial Period
A newer feature for AOL is their 50-day free trial. More than enough time to see if AOL is the right ISP for you, and more than any other ISP currently offers.
Setup
Although setup is free, you will need some technical assistance to install the client and also get the browser installed. Furthermore, although AOL comes with lots of interesting features, the software they eventually become a hassle when surfing, making a clean and crisp experience impossible. Most of the features will have to be disabled in order to get the information you want quickly and efficiently.
Access Numbers
AOL has tens of thousands of local access numbers across the U.S. and Canada, which makes finding access to the net not a problem.
Tech Support
AOL provides its customers with free telephone and e-mail support. The toll-free number is provided for live customer support issues and for those who feel they need a real person to talk to when a problem situation arises. However, we have received many complaints about long wait times on hold as a result of AOL's large customer base. As a result, it's probably more practical to scan their online FAQs that have a good support knowledge base before making the call.
Computer Skills Required
Users with little technical knowledge or computer expertise can use AOL. The software has a number of built in features, and set up can be done over the phone or online by filling out the Internet registration form. Overall, anyone can use AOL.
Email Addresses
AOL offers 7 e-mail address with its services. This is average, as most internet service providers offer between 5-15 available e-mail accounts.
Cancellation
Since there are no contracts with AOL, you can cancel their service at any time without receiving penalty. Good news for those who have searched this site and found that most ISPs offer better service, better plans, and better features at a better price.
ISP Plans
AOL Online TopSpeed: $23.90/month
Speed: 56K
Hours: Unlimited
Features: Free telephone support, Nationwide Internet access USA & Canada
AOL Online Over Broadband: $14.95/month (Cable or ADSL)
Speed: 1 Mbps
Hours: 10 per month
Features: not a Broadband service, but backup dial-up service over existing Broadband lines (if dsl or cable service goes down, you can use AOL as a backup)
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