NSFNet provides high speed transmission of scientific data among U.S. research centers. Many private and public databases are available on line, with bibliographic and numerical data. Access often is reasonably priced by U.S. standards, but is hardly affordable in most parts of the world. Every message from a list subscriber is automatically sent to all other subscribers to the same list. The transactions of many lists are archived and can be machine-searched on line.
Individuals post topical messages for thousands of people to read.
Hardly anyone can accommodate the entire daily flow and few wish to do so. It is one of the best-known and most used examples of cyberspace. Weathier countries should request greater responsiveness to the needs of international development. In considering loan applications from developing countries, the World Bank and similar banks should encourage country planning that includes support for using cyberspace to speed economic development. Developing countries should formulate realistic plans to use cyberspace for development.