The Internet Was Created In 1969 For 20 Years Since Its Inception Th
The Internet was created in 1969. For 20 years since its inception, the usage of the Internet was predominantly limited to university scientists and research laboratories. However, during the 1990s, there was a significant surge in Internet usage, which was driven by several key developments. Additionally, the price per hour of Internet service declined markedly during this period. This essay discusses the main technological and infrastructural developments that contributed to this increase, explores reasons for the reduction in service costs, and examines potential substitutes for Internet service.
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The advent and exponential growth of the Internet during the 1990s were driven by groundbreaking technological innovations, policy changes, and infrastructural investments that dramatically increased accessibility and affordability for the general public. Among the pivotal developments was the commercialization of the Internet. Prior to this period, the Internet was primarily a government-funded research network limited to academic and military institutions. However, in 1991, the U.S. government officially allowed commercial entities to operate over the Internet, leading to the emergence of private Internet Service Providers (ISPs) (Leiner et al., 2009). This deregulation facilitated competition, which played a crucial role in expanding service availability and reducing costs.
Another critical factor was the advancement in hardware and networking technology. The development of faster modems, such as the transition from dial-up modems to broadband technologies like Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable modems, significantly increased Internet speed and reliability (Abboud & Al-Nabulsi, 2014). These technological improvements made Internet access more appealing to a wider user base. Furthermore, the proliferation of personal computers in households, coupled with wider infrastructure deployment, made Internet access more convenient and available to the average consumer.
On the infrastructural front, investments in fiber optic cables and cellular networks played a vital role. Fiber optic technology enabled high-capacity data transmission at lower costs, which contributed to the broader expansion of Internet services globally (Riggins & Wamba, 2015). The deployment of wireless cellular networks like 3G and later 4G also provided mobile Internet options, further increasing accessibility. These infrastructural upgrades reduced bottlenecks and allowed more users to connect simultaneously, contributing to overall growth in demand.
The dramatic fall in the price per hour of Internet service can be primarily attributed to technological
progress and increased competition among providers. As hardware costs decreased due to economies of scale, ISPs could offer services at lower prices while maintaining profit margins (Chen & Shyh, 2017). The rapid development of cheaper modem technology and widespread infrastructure investment further drove down costs. Moreover, increased competition among ISPs pushed prices downward, compelling providers to innovate and optimize their service delivery. Market deregulation policies also contributed to this trend by allowing new entrants to compete more effectively in the market.
Potential substitutes for Internet service include traditional communication methods such as postal mail, landline telephone services, and broadcast media like television and radio. These alternatives have historically served as primary modes of information dissemination and communication before widespread Internet adoption. In recent years, satellite television, mobile phone networks, and increasingly, mobile applications with messaging and social media functions, can serve as substitutes for certain online activities (Santos & Cabral, 2020). For example, traditional TV and radio provide entertainment and information, while mobile telephony can substitute for some Internet services like messaging and voice calls in areas where broadband remains unavailable or expensive.
In conclusion, the surge in Internet usage during the 1990s was driven by technological innovations, infrastructural investments, and policy reforms that made access faster, more reliable, and cheaper. The decline in service costs was influenced by technological efficiencies and market competition. While substitutes such as traditional media and communication channels exist, the Internet's versatility and capacity for interactive, instantaneous communication have rendered it indispensable in modern society, though alternatives remain relevant in specific contexts or regions.
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