However, customers still have bargaining power. They may decide to stop using Hotmail and opt for a genuine free service. The founding fathers of Internet had a public service attitude to free dissemination of information. If big companies charge for email, this egalitarian ideal will be lost.

The most appealing aspect of Internet for many people was precisely this level-playing field that it created. The hobbyist in any part of world could communicate and pass information (through email!) to other enthusiasts. The small entrepreneur could set up a website and make money without reference to multinationals. However, this freedom will be lost if customers are not vigilant. The big companies like Microsoft are businesses concerned with profit. The freedom of access that Internet gives to small person in any part of world is not a priority of multinationals.

© John Lynch 2004

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