Possible future of the internet

Moat and Drawbridge theory

• Suggests the world of the Internet would be heavily centralised, dominated by a few big players with their own rules in “big-boys’ clubs.”
• Conflicts would be resolved through negotiation, not competition.
• Connections between networks would be the result of extensive negotiation and deal making.
• There would likely be strong regulation as governments seek to impose some public interest obligations and perhaps even controls on the equipment users can connect to the network.
• Much content would be proprietary and protected by strong intellectual property rights.
• Governments would control the behaviour of networks and network users through legal mechanisms and sanctions.
• Barriers to entry would be high, with little incentive to expand networks beyond the largest and richest customers or regions.
• Innovation would be slow, only occurring when it would benefit the network owners.
• All players would have close political links to their mutual benefit.