can also be accessed from various hand held devices. New technology such as WiFi allows users to connect to the internet without even a wired connection. Such innovations are making the internet a greater and greater part of people’s lives as time goes on. There are very few substitutes for an internet service provider. Though the internet mimics many services, no single service could replace it. The internet is an excellent substitute for other devices such as mail service and telephones. However, these single commodities do little to match the diverse features of the internet. In addition to boasting a multitude of assets, internet access is very convenient. Most people receive access in the comfort of their homes. Any products ordered are shipped directly to the front door. Contrasting the number of substitutes, the amount of products that complement internet service is staggering. As mentioned before, there are thousands of services available on the internet that make it much more appealing. Likewise, most computer products can now link up to the internet. For example, the email account used at home can also be accessed from hand-held devices. New technology such as WiFi allows users to connect to the internet without a wired connection. Like the telephone before it, internet service is becoming a much more essential service. AOL was once essentially alone in providing internet service, but the market has been flooded by entrants. When dial up or low band service was the only option, AOL was the name brand. Now, the market is full of low dial up services. AllVantage offers unlimited hours, support, anti-spam and antivirus software, and a month to month contract for only $5.95 a month (https://www.allvantage.com/secure/buy.asp?plan=2). AOL was therefore forced to reduce
prices in 2003 from $23.90 to $9.95 a month in order to help stem the outgoing tide of 1 million customers in three months. AOL saw that, “many [customers were] going to cheaper dial-up services, primarily Juno and NetZero” (http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/ aol_netscape.html).
The amount of low band providers