Decision to Continue the UF Dial-up Charged Service

Marc Hoit, Interim CIO

I am pleased to announce that the UF Dial-up service will continue using the current charging model. The service will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure its usage and benefit to campus warrant continuation.

On July 1, 2006, UF began charging users for dial-up access to the campus data network and the commercial Internet. The official announcement stated that based on cost and usage, a decision whether to continue the service would be made by the end of the calendar year. See:http://www.admin.ufl.edu/ddd/default.asp?doc=11.11.1920.1

Dial-up usage peaked in January 1999 at 20,000 unique users. By May of 2006 usage had dropped to only 4000 users. Once we began charging $5 per month for dial-up access, usage took another drop and has leveled off at about 1200 users per month.

Over these last 6 months we have adjusted dial-up capacity to match current demand. As a result of these changes, the dial- up user fees cover the costs to provide the service.

We still recommend dial-up users consider DSL or cable modem service as an effective means to work on the Internet from home. Most users will find that high speed access better meets their needs for Internet access.

For additional information on the UF dial-up service or suggestions regarding broadband or dial-up service alternatives, see: http://www.it.ufl.edu/services/dialup/