AOL to be free in the U.S.

AOL has been experiencing financial difficulties for many years due to the dissatisfaction of its customers. The majority of it's European subsidiaries are being sold off.
In an effort to regain its lead in the United States, AOL is going to offer its service free to broadband users. But dial-up customers will have to continue to pay for the service.
So, AOL will now be attempting to generate its income through advertising. The risk is high, but most likely less than if it didn't try anything and simply died out.