Dial-up Internet access connects a computer to an internet service provider (ISP) by using a modem to dial over a conventional telephone line. The cited sources describe a maximum connection speed of up to 56 kilobits per second (Kbps); the line is occupied while connected, and the connection is much slower than broadband.
How does dial-up Internet work?
A computer uses a modem configured with an ISP’s dial-in access number. The modem places a call over the telephone line, establishing the data connection to the provider. Dial-up is therefore a connection method—not a type of internet content or a particular provider.
The telephone line is being used for the internet connection while dial-up is active. This differs from broadband as described in a 2006 U.S. Government Accountability Office report, which characterizes broadband as always on. That distinction is about the connection technology and behavior, not simply whether a telephone wire is involved: DSL is a broadband technology that can use telephone infrastructure.
How fast is dial-up Internet?
Government references describe dial-up as offering speeds of up to 56 Kbps. That figure is a stated maximum, not a guarantee that every line or session reaches it. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that this maximum is slow for bandwidth-intensive uses such as video conferencing and streaming video.
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- DIAL-UP & FAX SUPPORT: Hardware-based USB 2.0 Fax modem adds data and fax functionality to your computer / laptop via USB without putting additional load on your CPU; For faxing, rural internet access, security systems, POS credit authorization
- VOICE AND CALLER ID SUPPORT: Make and receive phone calls through your desktop / laptop computer; This portable USB modem supports Caller ID functionality and is compatible with most dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) networks
- DATA/FAX MODE SUPPORT: Data: V.92, V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A & Bell 103; Fax: V.17, V.29, V.27, V.21 Ch 2, EIA/TIA 578 Class 1 and T.31 Fax Class 1.0; DTMF support
- TECH SPECS: External 56K Modem; Data Fax; USB Type A; 1 x RJ11 Telephone Jack; 56 Kbps Down, 33.6 Kbps Up Data; 14.4 Kbps Fax V.92; V.44 Compression; Conexant CX93010-21Z; USB Powered; TAA Compliant
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At that speed ceiling, dial-up is a poor fit for activities that transfer large amounts of data or need a sustained, responsive connection. Broadband can be substantially faster, enabling access to applications and content that are not practical over dial-up.
Dial-up compared with broadband
| Feature | Dial-up | Broadband, as described by the GAO |
|---|---|---|
| Connection method | Modem dials an ISP over a conventional telephone line | High-speed technologies such as cable modem and DSL |
| Speed | Up to 56 Kbps, according to the cited government references | Can be substantially faster; the report does not give one speed for all broadband |
| Connection behavior | Established by dialing; uses the phone line while connected | Described by the report as always on |
| Practical use | Limited for bandwidth-intensive activity, including video conferencing and streaming video | Higher speeds support applications and content impractical over dial-up |
Why dial-up became a historical term
The GAO’s 2006 account says dial-up was the primary way to access the internet for a few years before broadband became available to residential customers by the late 1990s. This describes the U.S. history covered by that report, not the timing in every country or market. In a 2004 order, the FCC also distinguished dial-up internet access from high-speed internet access.
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- 56K data/fax modem with USB interface, compliant with V.90, and V.42/V.42bis/MNP5 protocols and V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocol.
- Support Auto-Dial, Tone and pulse dialing, Auto answer, Auto retrain.
- Support Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista/Win 7.
- Support Caller ID and distinctive ring detect, Auto format/speed sensing, Data/Fax/Voice call discrimination, Single configuration profile stored in host, call forward/fallback.
- 2 RJ11 Ports, you can set your telephone, fax system. Up to 56K data download, 48K data upload, and 14.4K fax communication.Provide Quick Connect and Modem-on-Hold features.
Is dial-up service still available?
The cited sources establish how dial-up works and how it compares with broadband, but they do not establish which providers accept new dial-up subscribers today. Availability depends on the provider and location, so the definition alone should not be taken as evidence that service can be ordered in a particular area.
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- Plug and Play. It is suitable for Win 98/2000/ME/XP/Vista/CE5.0/10/8.1/8/7. No need for any external driver.
- For GRIS fax cats can dial the Internet, send and receive faxes, but do not support voice calls.
- The 56k data/fax modem uses USB2.0 Type A with a full speed of 56kb/s. Compatibility: Standard and expanded AT command set compatibility. Provides fast connection and maintenance function on the modem.
- Comply with V.92, V.90 and V.42, V.42bis/MNP5 protocol. Meets V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocols. Up to 56k data download, 48k data upload, and 14.4k fax communication.
- Support automatic dialing, tone and pulse dialing, automatic answering, automatic fax sending and receiving. Support caller ID, automatic format/speed sensing, data/fax/voice call, single stored on the host, call forward/backward.
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- Dual port built in buzzer, compatible with Windows 10, latest Windows OS installation for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, 32-bit, 64-bit
- Tested on Dell inspiron 3847 Windows 10 home 64-bit -send/receive fax successfully -dial up connection connected to NetZero at 46.6 KBPS
- USB 2.0 plug and play -fast & easy hardware and driver installation - USB powered, no power adapter needed
- Dual RJ-11 phone jack for expansion - dual jack for connecting an additional telephone or answering machine
- Fax compatibility ITU-T- send & receive rates up to 14.4k BPS, mOh - receive phone call during active internet connection
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- Performance: Support automatic dialing, tone and pulse dialing, automatic answering, automatic fax sending and receiving. Support caller ID, automatic format/speed sensing, data/fax/voice call, single profile stored on the host, call forward/backward.
- Plug and Play: The USB 2.0 fax modem dial-up adapter is suitable for WIN 98 / 2000 / ME / XP / Vista / CE5.0 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7. No need for any external driver.
- Data/Fax Mode: Comply with V.92, V.90 and V.42, V.42bis / MNP5 protocol. Meets V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocols. For GRIS fax cats can dial the Internet, send and receive faxes, but do not support voice calls.
- Tech Specs: Up to 56k data download, 48k data upload, and 14.4k fax communication. The 56k data/fax modem uses USB 2.0 Type A with a full speed of 56kb/s.
- Compatibility: Standard and expanded AT command set compatibility. Provides fast connection and maintenance function on the modem.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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