I am on broadband - and have been with AOL for about 15 years - they drive me entirely INSANE. Like you say, they wash their hands of any problem.
I am disconnected so frequently it is starting to get ridiculous. They said there must be something wrong with my computer! I have had 3 independent consultants come and check my computer and modems etc.......and all gave a very good bill of health. For example, this morning, AOL has disconnected me 13 times in half an hour. This is without exaggeration and I am getting so mad!
I am ONE UNHAPPY CUSTOMER! Not for much longer - my contract ends in August - and then I shall seek someone to give me a service where they a) actually keep you connected and b) are willing to listen and do not treat you like an idiot when there is a problem, and actually want to resolve it!