Globalization of Internet access

Abstract

The Internet has experienced a phenomenal growth since the National Science Foundation commercialized of the Internet in April 1995. A new business model is formed since then and the key players of the Internet are the operators of the network access points, metropolitan area exchange, independent service providers (ISP) and the non-profit, voluntary Internet organizations. There are several factors that fueled the growth of the Internet: new users, new World Wide Web hosts, browsing and searching technologies, and content. In conjunction with these changes and growth opportunities, the Internet industry is restructuring itself. New players entered the competition and new partnerships/alliances were formed. It is believed that globalization of the Internet access will offer ISPs competitive advantage to serve local country/regional customers, multinational corporations and travellers. This paper describes a business model which will provide a vehicle for the ISPs to expand their operations globally and establish a global Internet access platform.