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DIAL-UP INTERNET - Tough Times Have It Making A Bit of a Comeback!

By
Real Estate Agent with Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL

Remember dial-up Internet?  That often-slow, noisy-buzz login?  The slow download times?  The searching for a local dial-up number compatible with your ISP?

Well, in today's tough U.S. Economy, some cost-conscious Internet users, lured by potential online savings as much as $300/year, are finding their way back to the once-outmoded technology.

As reported by Etan Horowitz in last Friday's Chicago Tribune, dial-up, long left as a dying service, many are taking a second look at less-costly Dial-Up Internet Service.  Some providers, including United Online, the company that owns NetZero and Juno ISP's, charge only $9.95 monthly for the service - far lower than the $40-or-greater fee many high-speed Broadband providers charge.

Who is switching back?  Although there is no scientific data yet available, many just using the Internet to check their email and do less bandwidth-intensive web surfing are downgrading to save monthly fee.  Many may be older, and have not yet, or will not ever, catch on to cutting-edge current Internet uses, such as audio and video downloads, or heavy social networking on such popular websites as Facebook and Twitter.

And will the switch back be long-lived?  Many say no, as broadband rates become more and more competitive.

But for now - dial-up has yet to completely die, and does attract its own - frugal - loyalists!

Would you take the downgrade to save?  Please share!

See our post today @ BlogChicagoHomes.com.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Comments(6)

Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

No I wouldn't.  I'd cut back on something else first.  Maybe downgrade to basic cable, as I really do not watch that much television, but when I do need the computer I need it to be fast.

 

Mar 29, 2009 04:03 PM
Sabrina Kelley
ERA Herman Group Real Estate - Woodland Park, CO
Woodland Park Colorado Mountain Homes and Land
There are many in my area who dial up. I hope I never have to go back to it. I killed my cable about 6 months ago and haven't regretted it yet.
Mar 29, 2009 04:07 PM
Kent Anderson
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Sandpoint, Idaho - Sandpoint, ID
from Schweitzer to the Lake
DEAN - I could easily return to dial-up. I've got high speed at my office and I could use the $ I save at home. The Obama era is demanding we cut back in all areas (the Eurpoean model)...this is just the beginning...stay tuned.
Mar 29, 2009 04:15 PM
Jen Bowman
Keller Williams on the Water - Holmes Beach, FL
Realtor - Anna Maria Island & Bradenton FL

I wouldn't go back to dial up. It would drive me crazy and I don't know how I could work. I would give something else up before I went back to dial up.

Mar 29, 2009 04:39 PM
Robert Schwabe
Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate

Dean - I've had broadband for so many years now. I don't think I could ever switch back to dial up.

Mar 30, 2009 12:31 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Dean--I think many people are going to find creative ways to cut corners with the economy the way it is. Hard to go back to dial up though.

Mar 30, 2009 04:13 AM