Internet On-Ramp Trims Service

Internet On-Ramp, one of the area’s largest Internet service providers, is closing its dial-up accounts, affecting 4,000 subscribers.

IOR, which started in 1994, was one of the first full-service ISPs in Spokane and North Idaho.

IOR told customers in an announcement recently that it is transferring area dial-up accounts to Earthlink, a nationwide provider.

The change does not affect IOR’s other DSL (digital subscriber line) accounts, said Regional Manager Margaret Hansen.

The change reflects IOR’s plan to focus specifically on broadband services, Web hosting and e-commerce, said Hansen.

Dial-up customers pay $19.95 per month to access e-mail and connect to the Internet with a browser.

Earthlink will provide those same services at the same fee, said Hansen.

The switch takes effect for Spokane-area customers at the end of September. Idaho customers won’t make the switch until late November.

Customers have been notified by mail of the change and must authorize moving their accounts to Earthlink, said Hansen.