There are more than a billion internet users worldwide, and the number is set to double within the next ten years. What will the next billion users mean to the Internet itself? How will it affect the network, the technology, the computer software industry, access to knowledge, and our environment?
Michael Geist discusses how the next billion internet users will reshape the internet.
A few quotes from the article:
"Although some will reside in North America, Europe, and other developed countries that close their domestic digital divides, the majority of the growth will undoubtedly come from the developing world."
"Most new Internet users will not speak English as their first language, which should lead to increased pressure to accommodate different languages within the domain name system."
"Many new Internet users will have different cultural and societal views on hot-button issues such as online free speech, privacy, and copyright. As they demand a voice in global policy making, those users will help shift the policy debate."
"[They] may also use different technology to access the Internet. The recent introduction of the XO laptop demonstrates how the developing world has different requirements and how the technology industry will have to adapt to those changing environments."
"Microsoft and Apple may have been the preferred choice for most of the first billion, but the next billion is far more likely to use open source software alternatives that are free and offer the chance for local customization."
"[They] may use mobile devices as their primary way to connect to the Internet, experiencing slower speeds of access and forcing e-commerce companies to adapt to a changing marketplace."