But while the change may not immediately affect the University's Internet connections, the further privatization has some University officials worried about the medium's new relationship with higher education. Earlier this month, Clinton proposed to dismantle the monopoly of Network Solutions Inc., the private company contracted until March to hand out Internet domains on the government's behalf. The proposal suggests vesting Network Solution's powers into the hands of non-profit private entities.
Domains are the names given to Internet users or connections.
Functioning like addresses, the domains ensure Internet traffic is routed to the proper destination. Controversy erupted two years ago when companies started complaining about being charged for domains because of the limited number of addresses available. Many also criticized the government for not keeping pace with current technology. Originally, the Internet was created and developed by the U.S. government for research and defense department purposes. In 1992, it was commercialized.