For the time being Internet is certainly the tool that is closest to the Telecbmputer, and although it is used by some 40 millions persons all over the world (I stress 40 millions ... for the moment) it is still a tool reserved for a small number, because it requires a set of relatively expensive pieces of equipment and a fairly good understanding of the use of personal computers.
The main limitations of this communication network are:
- Complexity in the research of information. In fact, the bulk of data is immense and the tools to move about them are relatively limited. That explains why Internet users are called navigators of the cyberspace.,
- At present, the network travels on telephone lines so that the transmission of photographs is very slow and it is practically impossible to transmit filmed material.
- It is necessary to know English, because the major sites are in the United States.
- The telephone lines are often clogged and it takes several attempts to get through (we must bear in mind that each connected user occupies a telephone line).
- At present the telephone service operates under a monopoly system, and private concerns are afraid to invest in the fear of a direct intervention (actually announced) by Telecom, which might provide access directly to the user, overriding whomsoever has invested time and money to create a network of services and a bulk of information already available on their computers.
-It is not clear yet how a profit can be made with Internet; indeed, the rental fee is comparable to the TV fee, but advertising is hardly operable. In addition, the main motor of Internet is the University world which operates on no-profit bases as it is already financed by the national governments, thus in open competition with private concerns that must necessarily square accounts.