A very interesting graph that illustrates internet speeds and costs around the world. The most astonishing fact? Japan and South Korea's super fast internet speed, and America's abysmal lag.
source: internet world stats broadband penetration
Why did this happen? Japanese leaders were very concerned that Japan fell behind in the internet technology, and they did some sort of internet new deal policy, while US was busy with NASDAQ bubble and dot com bubble. Those stupid politicians spent money on the infrastructure but didn't implement any policy to facilitate high tech startups, who are most likely to start innovative internet based apps. On the other hand, Bill Clinton didn't even know how to get his money using ATM, and George W Bush showed his ignorance by teh "internets" but things are sort of okay, thanks to smart entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
But the chart! Edward Tufte would cringe. Just what does that pie chart indicate? :)
