Are The Days of the Internet Numbered?
When and How the Internet Will "Meet Its Maker"
If you've been paying attention to tech news, you may have heard rumors that the Internet is going to die. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with the economy - it's all about capacity. But will the Internet really die? Here's what you need to know...
Y2K All Over Again?
Some of us are familiar with the "feel" of this news. We remember the whole "Y2K" drama, and how none of it played out the way the fanatics swore it would. Is this new "Internet is dying" trend just more media hype, or is there more to it? To understand that, you have to look at what started this rumor.
Is AT&T Playing Chicken Little?
Okay, so they're not running around screaming that the sky is falling, but AT&T is definitely saying that the Internet could be dead by 2010 if measures aren't taken. Why? Because increasing demand on broadband is putting the Internet at its capacity limits. But is it true?
The Likely Scenario
Yes, we're going to have an increasing demand on the capacity of the Internet. Technology is also likely going to change to accommodate that demand. Perhaps AT&T is saying this so they can bilk consumers out of money for "equipment upgrades" that aren't really necessary yet?
I'm not going to claim to be an expert, but here's my thoughts on the matter...
When a big corporation tells us they need to spend money or the Internet is going to die, I have my doubts. If it were a bunch of scientists in a think tank? Yeah, I'd pay some attention and maybe start panicking. But AT&T? It might just be a profit play. Kind of like the guys selling gas masks and bagged water in 1999.