Why is dial-up access being retired?
Dial-up Internet access was first introduced in our community in 1997 and was once the only way our residents could receive an Internet connection. Since that time, advancements in access technologies have allowed the City of Sylacauga and the Sylacauga Utilities Board to invest in broadband services that give our residents high-speed connections.

Today, virtually all web sites and web-based services are developed with high-speed access in mind. For example, most news and entertainment websites are rich in streaming video and detailed images that simply can’t be viewed with a slower dial-up connection. Additionally, educational websites and databases are loaded with large quantities of multi-media content including text, images, sound recordings and interactive quizzes that change dynamically to test your knowledge.

Quite simply, dial-up can’t keep up with the rapid pace of the Internet. Dial-up technology is outdated and no longer offers the residents of Sylacauga optimal access to the valuable content and convenient services available on the Internet.

When will dial-up service end?
We stopped accepting new dial-up customers on August 11, 2008 and our Sylacauganet.com dial-up service will be officially retired at 12:01am on January 1, 2009.

I have a Sylacauganet.com dial-up account. What do I need to do?
To minimize disruption of your Internet access service, we recommend selecting and installing alternative services before disconnecting your dial-up account. The Sylacauga Utilities Board can upgrade eligible residences and businesses to high speed Internet service. To make your upgrade easier, we are offering free professional installation to our current dial-up customers. Click here for more details on High Speed Internet service or call (256) 249-0372 to upgrade.

What happens if I don’t upgrade?
If you decide not to upgrade to our High Speed Internet service or an alternative Internet access service, your current dial-up access will continue until retirement date. Your rates will not change and you will continue to pay for service until you cancel it, or until the retirement date.

At 12:01am on January 1, 2009, all Sylacauganet.com dial-up services will be retired and you will no longer be able to use your dial-up access numbers to reach the Internet or send and receive email. Any email messages remaining on the Sylacauganet.com server will be lost.

I still have questions. Who can I call?
The Operations Center staff at the Sylacauga Utilities Board is available to answer your questions. You may visit our offices or call us at (256) 249-0372 during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. You can also send an email message to us at sub@sylacauga.net or submit your question on our website.