Hmm. As someone that used AOL before I had a proper ISP in my area, I am not sure what you're getting at with this analogy? I signed onto AOL and used their TCP/IP stack to access a plethora of resources outside of AOL. It was great. The following year I was able to ditch AOL and go straight Internet.
Discussion
Throwback! Remember here in the states you could go to Walmart and get the next “version” of AOL software for free on *gasp* a physical CD?!
You had to log on to the internet, not just click a browser icon…and god forbid someone picked up the phone while you were mid AIM chat with your online BFF. #ASL anyone? Ahh the memories when the internet was young and innocent!