Surf the Net with Snack in Hand - Internet Cafes

Internet Cafés are places where people can use a computer to surf the net for a fee, usually by the minute or hour. Internet cafés can also serve food and drinks as well, but their main distinction is that computers and Wi-Fi access are available.

The concept of the Internet café was introduced in 1994 by Ivan Pope. Pope was commissioned by the Institute of Contemporary Arts of London to create and implement an event featuring the Internet for the ICA’s arts weekend. His proposal of creating a café with Internet access from each table gained favor, and the event was held March 12-14, 1994. Canada followed next, opening Toronto’s Binary Café in June of the same year. The first American Internet café was opened in Dallas, Texas in August 1994, owned by Jeff Anderson. Online gaming led to the establishment of PC Bangs, Internet cafés popular among youths who would flock to these places to play multiplayer online games.

Worldwide Internet Cafés

Internet cafés are now located worldwide. They are popular not only among gamers, but also widely used by those who are travelling, as a means to check email or chat with family and friends. In underdeveloped countries, Internet cafés often serve as the main source of Internet access; shared access is often more affordable and feasible than sole ownership of computers and modem equipment.

Not to forget the gaming communities, many Internet cafés also offer LAN gamin, featuring several computers connected to a local access network so that different patrons can challenge and play each other under one roof. This is particularly popular in Asia and South Korea, as well as in Taiwan and the Philippines.

Internet Access for the Masses

In addition to Internet cafés, many public venues are beginning to offer Internet kiosks, which allow for quick surfing of the net while standing. Many hotels are offering access points for their guests during the term of their stay, as well. The advances that have been made in the world of technology have insured that these spinoffs of the café, traditional locales for information exchange, are here to stay. The Internet café provides a cost effective answer to keeping up to speed in this, the information age.