How to Cancel Your AOL Account (and Get a Real ISP)

America Online has rightfully had the reputation of being the "McDonalds" of internet service providers for quite some time. The speeds that they're offering can't compete with broadband internet service from the local cable and phone companies. The prices they're offering aren't very competitive and their software is almost impossible to get rid of. If you're tired of paying too much for your internet service and getting low-end service from AOL, here's how to cancel your account.

The first thing you need to do is sign on to your AOL Account. After you sign-on, click the "Keyword" box in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen and enter the keyword "cancel." Soon after a screen will appear providing you a toll-free number and a mailing address. If you can't get in, just use the number 888-265-8008 to get your account cancelled. Call the 800 number and follow the instructions they provide to get your account cancelled. Unfortunately, there's no option to cancel online.

You'll be put on the line with a customer service representative who will try to get you to keep the account, and more than likely offer you a discount or a few months of free service. Don't fall for any of these tricks. You called to cancel your account, don't let anyone on the phone convince you otherwise, no matter how sweet the deal appears to be. A few months later, you'll be stuck with the same sub-par service. After you persuade the CSR that you actually do want to cancel your account, ask that a confirmation of your cancellation be e-mailed to you if you have another email address, or ask them to mail a confirmation notice to your home address.

Congratulations! You're free to find a better internet service provider out there, and there are plenty to choose from. In order to find a decent ISP in your area, your best bet is to simply ask friends and coworkers who they're with and if they're happy with the service. Chances are you'll get the same answer quite a bit. For example, in our neighborhood, Midcontinent's cable service is extremely popular, and most people are quite happy with it compared to some of the other services provided. The cable, phone, or other internet service provider which offers the best service is going to vary a lot by where you're at, so just ask around. Try to avoid slow dial-up lines and satellite internet if you can. Usually cable internet's the way to go, but a digital subscriber line (DSL) is fine too.