The Myth of the Global Village

In case you thought that it was not really all about the money...
In developing countries, and our own backyard, a new digital divide is growing. Service access to those who do not generate web-based income is being limited or reduced: "One Internet Village, Divided" New York Times, April 27, 2009: (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/technology/start-ups/27global.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=one%20internet%20village,%20divided&st=cse).
Cases in point are YouTube and Facebook, which are trying to limit bandwidth and reduce the quality of service to places that generate lower revenues, mostly in Asia and Africa. Their original business models of "build large audiences and generate revenue through ads" is being challenged. We are fortunate to be in a place where free educational purposes are underwritten...for now..and access is free...for now.
The long-term implications of these business developments will be interesting to follow.