What is dial-up Internet access?

Basics of dial-up

Why is it called dial-up?

Dial-up Internet service providers offer access for computer users by connecting to the Internet through their existing telephone line. In order to connect, a user must dial-in with a modem over his or her telephone line.

How fast is dial-up?

In general, dial-up providers offer connection speeds starting at 56 Kbps (kilobytes per second). Dial-up Internet service is much slower than either DSL or cable Internet service.

How do I get started?

You will first need to select a dial-up ISP and sign up for service. After you have selected the provider, they will provide you with software to download to your computer in order to set up your account. The set-up process is generally very simple.