Bending Spoons Acquires AOL for $1.5 Billion as the Dial-Up Era Officially Ends
AOL, the once-dominant gateway to the early internet, is entering a fresh chapter. Italian software company Bending Spoons has announced a deal to buy AOL for approximately $1.5 billion. While the acquisition signals a new strategic direction for the brand, it coincides with the final retirement of the technology that made AOL a household name: dial-up internet.
The Bending Spoons Acquisition: A Strategic Expansion
Bending Spoons is not a newcomer to acquiring established software brands. The company has built a diverse portfolio by snapping up well-known names including Evernote, Vimeo and WeTransfer. By adding AOL to its stable, Bending Spoons is betting on the continued relevance of AOL’s digital ecosystem.
Despite its reputation as a relic of the 1990s, AOL remains a viable business asset. The company maintains a web portal and a significant email service, boasting a highly retained customer base with roughly 8 million daily active users and 30 million monthly active users. Bending Spoons has stated it has no plans to shut down AOL or spin off its existing tools.
The End of an Era: Dial-Up Retires on September 30, 2025
While the corporate entity thrives under new ownership, the hardware-dependent era of the “screech and hiss” is over. AOL will officially shut down its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025. This move includes the retirement of associated software as part of a routine product evaluation.
The shutdown marks the end of a cultural phenomenon. In the 1990s, AOL grew from one million users in 1995 to over 34 million subscribers by 1997. However, the demand for dial-up has plummeted in the age of broadband. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2023, only about 163,000 households were still utilizing this antiquated connection method.
What This Means for AOL Email Users
For the millions of users who still rely on their @aol.com addresses, the transition is seamless. The retirement of dial-up infrastructure does not affect free email accounts or other AOL-branded services. Yahoo, AOL’s parent company, confirmed that the move is part of an effort to innovate and meet the needs of the modern digital landscape, but email services will remain fully operational.
Key Takeaways
- Acquisition Price: Bending Spoons purchased AOL for $1.5 billion.
- Dial-Up Deadline: All dial-up internet services and associated software will end on September 30, 2025.
- User Base: AOL still maintains 30 million monthly active users.
- Service Continuity: AOL email addresses and the web portal are not affected by the dial-up shutdown.
- Portfolio Growth: AOL joins Evernote, Vimeo, and WeTransfer in the Bending Spoons portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my AOL email stop working?
No. The shutdown only applies to dial-up internet connectivity. Your @aol.com email address and other branded services will continue to function.
Who is Bending Spoons?
Bending Spoons is an Italian software company known for acquiring and managing major software platforms, including Evernote and Vimeo.
Why is AOL shutting down dial-up now?
The company describes the move as a routine product evaluation to better align with today’s digital landscape, noting that very few households still employ dial-up technology.
As AOL transitions from a legacy internet provider to a piece of a modern software portfolio, it leaves behind the modems and busy signals of the 90s while attempting to maintain its relevance as a global email and content provider.