Can I become my own ISP without going through Aol, etc? I don't need the content the others provide.

DO you understand what an ISP actually does?

Clearly you don't know what an ISP is. In simple terms, an ISP has a more direct connection to the Internet and a contract with the agency that controls Access to the Internet to assign IP addresses to subscribers. Once assigned an IP, you are connected through the ISPs system to the Net.

You do not have to use AOL's dialup network to connect (do they still have a dial up network?). You can use any of several dialup networks. If you have a broadband (cable or DSL) connection, that is your ISP and do not have go through AOL at all.

But no you can't become your own ISP, but you have a great deal of control over how you connect to the Net.

Wait a minute.. AOL is still alive? That has got to be the worst internet provider in your country. Switching to another respected provider would likely make your internet experience less frustrating.

AOL is still alive and have recently posted a profit. In the days of dialup, AOL provided a better and safer online experience to many people new to the Internet.

AOL's problem was that it couldn't weather the switch from dialup services to broadband. Since few people need to use AOL's network of modems to access the net these days, they don't need to go through AOL's portal.

Their portal and custom software was good for the internet noobs when the web was in its nascent days but it's horrible way to use the internet now. I've heard horror stories about their billing and customer service.

Yes, but anyone can use their public portal fro free and can maintain their e-mail address for free. Just go to the Pricing Plans section of AOL.com

I just wonder if I can access the internet without my cable co, or any other company that I have to pay for, that's all.

I just wonder if I can access the internet without my cable co, or any other company that I have to pay for, that's all.No as you need to pay for access somewhere along the line.
You do not have to use AOL though, there are a number of available retail ISP's available.

OK , thanks all for the answers.

I just wonder if I can access the internet without my cable co, or any other company that I have to pay for, that's all.

Think of the Internet as a toll road. You can get on the road at various points and you pay the toll to the operator of that toll booth. So you can get on at any tool booth, but you still have to pay the toll.

A caveat to the above, is that you can restrict your access to free WiFi hotspots, of which there are many. But you would have to travel to that hotspot and say within range of that hotspot.