One of the most important recent developments in information technology has been the explosive growth of the Internet. Although difficult to estimate, the approximate number of users to date is 40 million where more than 500,000 are in Australia (as of the writing of Innovative Australia, 1995).(Innovative Australia)
Statistics
As of 1994, Australia had 550 Internet networks and 161,166 hosts. In comparison, the US had 15,255 and 3,179,170 respectively. The estimated number of Internet users at this time was 886,410 while the US had 17,485,440. Australia uses the following search engines: Alta Vista, Yahoo, Lycos and Infoseek; and has the following directories: Ausindex, Web Wombat, and Websource.
Internet Service Providers
A wide variety of organizations provide Internet access nationally and regionally. Some of these include Big Pond, Access One, and OzEmail. Although in the past users have experienced stalled dial-up access, slow downloads and long waits for technical advice; the waiting times have significantly dropped since last year. This is primarily due to increased competition and the threat of decreased profit margins.
The aforementioned Internet service providers (ISP) all provide various rates and seem comparable to those charges by US ISPs. Big Pond offers a starter kit for $19.95 with twelve extra hours free. Access One, on the other hand, only offers blocks of time for purchase. For example, $100 for a block of 20 hours. Finally, OzEmail has a $25 registration fee that includes five free hours where extra hours are $5 between 7am and 12 am, and $2.50 between 12 am and 7am.
In the future, at least two ISPs will offer access on the basis of local telephone call charges. This is expected to reduce the disparity of costs between urban and rural/remote users for Internet access.
Other On-line Services
In a new major initiative, the Australian Government plans to establish an integrated program called Accessing Australia which is based on the concept of 'community access points'. These sites include libraries where people can access electronic information and services. The purpose is to increase awareness and encourage early adoption and use of information services. In addition, it is supposed to provide a convenient way for people to access information and services.
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URL: http://www.http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/initeb/lk0767a/australi.htm
Author: Linda Kallmeyer
Last Update: May 6, 1997