AOL has announced that it will offer several of its features for free to anyone with broadband Internet access, including: an e-mail account with up to seven screen names, Buddy Lists, Address Book, AOL software, safety and security protection, Parental Controls, access to millions of online videos, AOL Radio with XM and more. However, users who need AOL for Internet access, or who want AOL technical support or features not covered in the free service, will still need to pay the traditional monthly fee.
AOL said that current subscribers who opt to switch to the free plan wonit see a disruption in their e-mail or other services.