The "improved version of the phone network" metaphor is the exact reason why we should thank our lucky stars for the Internet we have today. If a global archit

The "improved version of the phone network" metaphor is the exact reason why we should thank our lucky stars for the Internet we have today. If a global architecture of this scale were to be planned out today, every nation would have its own competing standard for civilian oversight. There would be dozens of competing commercial standards...and Sprint would change theirs every 24 months. Copyright interests, ISP billing meters, Computer A only working with Network A...all these things would be a part of an Internet designed from the ground up instead of what we have today. The Internet certainly has its warts, but at least it's gotten us this far.