Host Country Open Stage

Summary

This discussion presents a historical overview of Norway’s pioneering role in Internet development and its vision for the future, delivered as an opening session at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Host Adelie Dorseuil guides five Norwegian Internet experts through the country’s journey from establishing one of the world’s first Internet connections via ARPANET in 1973 to becoming a global leader in digital innovation. Harald Alvestrand explains how Norway’s early adoption of Internet technology was driven by the cultural desire to connect people and solve problems collaboratively, particularly through the university network UNINET in 1993. Kristin Braa describes how Internet technology revolutionized healthcare systems in the Global South, starting with post-apartheid South Africa and eventually scaling to 80 countries through mobile Internet and open-source platforms. Josef Noll discusses the Basic Internet Foundation’s “Walk on the Internet” initiative, which aims to provide affordable Internet access to underserved communities, particularly in Africa where 75% of people still lack mobile broadband access. Kjetil Kjernsmo presents a more critical perspective, arguing that while Internet technology has enabled remarkable innovation, it has also created threats to democracy and requires new institutions with democratic mandates rather than purely commercial ones. Linda Firveld emphasizes that Internet access has become essential infrastructure in Norway, with near 100% coverage making it the fourth pillar of household utilities alongside electricity and water. The discussion concludes with each expert offering a single word representing the future focus: “connected,” “unite,” “make it happen,” “digital commons,” and “democracy.” This session serves as both a celebration of Norway’s Internet heritage and a call to action for creating more inclusive, democratic digital futures globally.

Keypoints

**Major Discussion Points:**

– **Norway’s pioneering role in Internet history** – The discussion traces Norway’s early adoption and contributions to Internet technology, from the first ARPANET connection in 1973 to becoming the first country to divert all traffic through the Internet in 2022

– **Global scaling and accessibility of Internet technology** – Speakers discussed how Internet technology has revolutionized connectivity in the Global South, particularly through mobile Internet adoption in Africa and the development of health information systems across 80+ countries

– **Inclusive Internet access models** – The conversation addressed the challenge that 75% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t use mobile broadband due to cost, and explored innovative models like “The Walk on the Internet” initiative to make connectivity more accessible

– **Democracy and institutional challenges in the digital age** – Discussion of how current technology has created “cracks in the fabric of democracy” and the need for new institutions with democratic mandates rather than purely commercial ones to govern social media and digital infrastructure

– **Future vision for Internet governance and digital commons** – Speakers shared their vision for the future, emphasizing the need for digital commons, democratic institutions, and continued global connectivity as foundational elements

**Overall Purpose:**

The discussion served as an opening session for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025, using Norway’s Internet history as a framework to introduce key themes and challenges in global Internet governance. The speakers aimed to set the stage for conference discussions by highlighting both technological achievements and ongoing challenges in making the Internet accessible and democratic worldwide.

**Overall Tone:**

The tone was consistently optimistic and forward-looking throughout the conversation. It began with pride and celebration of Norwegian technological achievements, maintained an enthusiastic and collaborative spirit when discussing global initiatives, and concluded with hopeful calls to action for the future. The speakers demonstrated expertise while remaining accessible, and the moderator maintained an engaging, informative presentation style that effectively transitioned the audience from this historical overview into the main conference proceedings.

Speakers

– **Adelie Dorseuil**: Moderator/Host of the Open Stage session at IGF

– **Harald Alvestrand**: Internet expert with 40 years of experience, former chair of the IETF, played important role in UNINET (university networks)

– **Kristin Braa**: Expert involved in health information systems development, worked on post-apartheid health sector reconstruction project starting in 1994, involved in scaling health platforms globally

– **Josef Noll**: Associated with Basic Internet Foundation, works on inclusive internet connectivity models, involved in “The Walk on the Internet” initiative

– **Kjetil Kjernsmo**: Known as “Dr. Internet Enthusiast,” editor of the Solid Specification (Tim Berners-Lee’s project), expert in social and web technologies

– **Linda Firveld**: Leader of a tech company working with broadband providers, expert in Wi-Fi and broadband access

Additional speakers:

None identified beyond the provided speakers names list.

# Norway’s Internet Journey: From Pioneer to Global Leader – A Discussion Summary

## Introduction and Context

This opening session at the Internet Governance Forum featured five Norwegian Internet experts discussing the nation’s journey from early Internet adoption to digital leadership. Moderated by Adelie Dorseuil, the panel included Harald Alvestrand (Internet veteran and former IETF chair), Kristin Braa (health information systems specialist), Josef Noll (Basic Internet Foundation), Kjetil Kjernsmo (“Dr. Internet Enthusiast” and Solid Specification editor), and Linda Firveld (broadband infrastructure specialist).

## Norway’s Internet History

### Early Adoption Timeline

Adelie Dorseuil outlined Norway’s pioneering Internet milestones: the first ARPANET connection in 1973, Norwegian TDMA technology becoming the foundation for GSM in 1986, development of the Opera browser in the early 1990s (still the leading browser in Africa), and presenting the Winter Olympics online in 1993-1994. Norway became the first country to transition all traffic through the Internet by 2022, supported by near 100% Internet coverage.

### Cultural Foundation for Success

Harald Alvestrand explained that Norwegian universities drove early adoption through the UNINET network, reflecting cultural values that aligned with Internet principles. “The Internet culture aligns with Norwegian values of interconnection and people-level problem solving,” he observed, suggesting Norway’s success was fundamentally cultural rather than merely technological.

## Global Impact and Development

### Health Systems Revolution

Kristin Braa demonstrated the Internet’s transformative impact in developing regions through health information systems. Beginning with post-apartheid South Africa’s health sector reconstruction in 1994, her work with the DHIS2 platform scaled to over 80 countries. “The Internet revolutionised the Global South through health information systems,” she explained, noting that after 2010, mobile Internet enabled countries to “leapfrog the fixed net, totally no fixed net, no fixed phone, only mobile Internet.”

### Persistent Access Barriers

Josef Noll highlighted ongoing challenges, pointing out that “75% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t use mobile broadband due to cost.” He questioned whether current models are truly inclusive and proposed a “road model” where “digital infrastructure should follow a road model where basic connectivity enables free access for digital pedestrians and cyclists.”

## Infrastructure and Democratic Governance

### Internet as Essential Infrastructure

Linda Firveld described “Internet and home Wi-Fi as the fourth pillar of infrastructure alongside electricity and water,” noting that people now expect connectivity to “just work.” She observed the dramatic increase in connected devices in Norwegian homes and anticipated “a service economy as the fifth infrastructure pillar.”

### Technology and Democratic Challenges

Kjetil Kjernsmo introduced critical concerns about technology’s impact on democracy, arguing that “current technology has created cracks in the fabric of democracy due to lack of proper institutional development.” He referenced Norway’s 2004 constitutional change requiring authorities to “create conditions that facilitate open and enlightened public discourse,” but identified a “sin of omission” that “the state did not immediately realise that this means we need to build new institutions.”

Kjernsmo argued that social media platforms “function as infrastructure for public discourse, relationships, and commerce requiring democratic oversight” and called for “institutions that develop technology with a democratic mandate rather than just a commercial one.”

## Key Themes and Perspectives

The discussion revealed both consensus and tension among speakers. All agreed on the importance of universal access and technology serving democratic purposes, but differed in their assessments of current progress. While Braa emphasized successful scaling in health systems, Noll highlighted persistent cost barriers. Alvestrand’s optimistic view of Internet culture contrasted with Kjernsmo’s concerns about democratic institutions.

Harald Alvestrand emphasized the need for “investment in growing the next generation of Internet leaders beyond the first generation,” while Kjernsmo focused on creating “open global digital common space ecosystems” as alternatives to commercial platforms.

## Future Vision

The session concluded with speakers offering words for the future, though their responses were cut short in the recording. The discussion successfully used Norway’s experience to introduce key themes in global Internet governance: the tension between technological achievement and persistent inequalities, the challenge of democratic governance in digital spaces, and the need for new institutional approaches.

The conversation demonstrated that while significant progress has been made in Internet development, fundamental challenges remain in ensuring inclusive access and democratic governance of digital infrastructure and platforms.

Adelie Dorseuil: Good morning, and welcome to Open Stage here at IGF, and for many of you, welcome to Norway. I would like to take you as a sort of a teaser for the conference to a little travel back in time. Please come along to a quick history of the Internet from a Norwegian perspective. With me, I’ve invited five experts who were part of the Norwegian Internet history so they could share some insight. Because one thing you need to know about Norwegians is that we tend to be early adopters of things. Like that includes electric cars, AI, sushi, and also the Internet. The very first Internet connection in Norway was already in 1973 through the then ARPANET that was Internet’s first experiment. This was ten years before what many considered to be the birthday of the Internet in 1983. It happened in a building affectionately called The Basement, Kjeller in Norwegian. I highly recommend that you join the tour of Kjeller on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Another thing about Norway, besides being early adopters, is that we like remote places. Very remote places. Like Svalbard. Anybody heard about it? 3,000 people, 3,000 polar bears. But yeah, in 1974, what they really needed was a really early satellite connection. We weren’t just early adopters. We were also active contributors. In 1986, the Norwegian model of TDMA, narrow band TDMA, performed better than the other available technology. And it became the basis for the GSM system, which was established as a European effort. In 1993, one of the leading fields for early use of Internet standards was universities, with our very own network, UNINET. Harald, you played an important role in UNINET. Can you tell us what drove the university to adopt the use of the Internet? What was the motivation?

Harald Alvestrand: So, it’s been a while. I found out I’ve been working with the Internet for 40 years now, since before the mobile phone system existed. That’s kind of strange. So part of it was spent at UNINET, connecting the university networks. Part of it was spent as being chair of the ITF. And it’s been a continuous journey, where I’ve encountered a lot of people. And what they have in common is the desire to connect, the desire to enable people to communicate with each other, so that the Internet should be for everyone. So this fits very well with the Norwegian culture, because the Norwegian culture is all about interconnecting, about solving people, solving problems at the people level, getting the people who can really solve the problem to talk to each other. And thus the Internet became so important for the community. But engaging takes time. I’ve been privileged to work for this Internet thing for 40 years, to various employers. And in the future, we have to also remember to invest, to grow the people who will take over from the first generation to be on the Internet.

Adelie Dorseuil: Thank you. The year after, in 1993, 1994, we developed the first web browser for mobile phone, the Opera browser, which is still the leading browser in Africa. We also presented the Winter Olympics online and established a wide-reaching health information system platform. Kristin, you were a part of this journey. Can you tell us about ensuring a successful scale-up?

Kristin Braa: So this is not really about Norway, but it’s about Global South. Internet has been a revolution for the Global South, especially when it comes to scaling. But it all started in 1994 as a post-apartheid project. It started as an action research project, reconstructing health sector after apartheid. After having 14 Department of Health, all the data coming up to the National, then of course it was a revolution to get access to your data for decisions in health at the district level. That’s why the DHS too. So then we could say we have been traveling through geography and technology, starting with floppy disks, USB sticks, attachment of emails, to web, mobile Internet. And when the cable came through Africa, building up through Africa, then the whole Africa was then able to utilize mobile Internet on the fly. So that, of course, was extremely important for scaling. So being able to utilize and leapfrog the fixed net, totally no fixed net, no fixed phone, only mobile Internet. So then we could be able to scale in Kenya as the first sub-Saharan Africa, totally national scale health information system, reaching out to all the districts in the whole Kenya. That was a revolution in 2010. And then aspired through this, coordinated from Universal also, this digital open source health platform, becoming a platform, utilizing all the technology in order to be able to scale. That inspired Ghana, Tanzania, the rest of East Africa, and then also to India. So ending up to being 80 countries using a national health information system, but however for the NGOs and MSF and the Red Cross and all, it’s 130 countries that are using DHS2 as a system. Stop.

Adelie Dorseuil: And from then on, we kept on going. We even caught a world record along the way in 1999. We also participated in the development of portable hardware in 2005. But yet another thing to know about Norway is that we like to share, especially something as powerful as the Internet. And in 2014, the Basic Internet Foundation was created. Josef, what can you tell us about their initiative called The Walk on the Internet?

Josef Noll: Thanks so much, Adelie. Despite what Christian said, we still have 75% of people in Africa, south of Sahara who don’t use mobile broadband because it’s too expensive. So we should ask ourselves, are the models which we are using, inclusive models, are the models there to get everyone included? And that’s what we asked us to first solve, can we go out where nobody believes that you can connect? Yes, we can connect. And then the second step was, how can we ensure that everyone is with us? And that’s where we adopted the model of the road, of saying that, well, I need someone building a road, but once the road is built, digital pedestrians and digital cyclists can use the road for free. And those of you who know what these shoes are made of, they are from my friends from Kenya, from the Maasai. After we connected them, they gave me these old tires. And those tires are the tires which are now the shoes for The Walk on the Internet. Thanks.

Adelie Dorseuil: Thank you. From then on, we kept going and started to look for places that were as remote as Svalbard, but with fewer polar bears. And like the Maasai village of Silila in Africa, this was all part of a broader futuristic vision that we hope to bring here today to IGF. Kjetil, I’ve been told your nickname is Dr. Internet Enthusiast. What is your enthusiastic vision for the future? What do you think we should discuss here at IGF?

Kjetil Kjernsmo: Right, so as someone who turned 20 the year that the web took off, I fall into the category that Douglas Adams said that feels that anything that gets invented before you turn 30 is incredibly exciting and creative, and with any luck, you can make a career out of it. And I did. I got very early on involved in social and web technologies, and more recently I was the editor of the Solid Specification, Tim Berners-Lee’s main project. But what we have today is not what I grew up to love. Most seriously, the technology has opened cracks in the fabric of democracy. This was not inevitable. It happened because some powerful men didn’t have a clue on how to build successful societies, but it can be made really good. Here, enter a key Norwegian innovation. In 2004, the Norwegian constitution was changed to include that the authorities of the state shall create conditions that facilitate open and enlightened public discourse. Unfortunately, there was a sin of omission that the state did not immediately realize that this means that we need to build new institutions. Institutions that develop technology with a democratic mandate rather than just a commercial one, and it has to happen in open global digital common space ecosystems. Because social media is infrastructure, not only for public discourse, but it underpins most of our social activities, like our relationships, our collaboration, our commerce. So my vision for the future is to bring this together. But the key innovation is that we need to build these new institutions, and that is what I love to discuss.

Adelie Dorseuil: Thank you so much. Talking about the future and futuristic endeavors, we can’t forget Norway’s contribution to the search for water on Mars with the ground-penetrating Rimfax radar in 2021. And in 2022, we were ready to let go of the fixed telephony network, and Norway became the first country in the world to divert all traffic through the Internet, a move that we wish upon the rest of the world. Linda, you’re the leader of a tech company working with broadband providers. Why is Internet access through Wi-Fi and broadband important for everyone?

Linda Firveld: Well, thank you for the question. When you look at Norway in 2022 and today, actually, we are close to 100% coverage, which is quite unique. Also, what we see is that Internet and home Wi-Fi is to be considered as the fourth pillar of infrastructure, meaning it’s a household utility. People just expect this to just work just as electricity and water. We also see more connected things than ever in homes today in Norway. That’s quite amazing. I mean, just 10 years ago, it was maybe two or three. So it’s just evolving very rapidly. This means that we are ready for the next wave, what’s coming up now. I like to call it the fifth pillar of infrastructure, meaning it’s a service economy. So you were also, you know, touching that a little bit, and what you also mentioned is very important, which I think if we do it right, it will give empowerment to governments, businesses and people and make us ready for whatever we need to do in the future.

Adelie Dorseuil: Thank you so much. And now fast forward to the present in 2025. The Internet is a world of possibilities which we want to offer to the rest of the world. We’re excited to see the launch of the Affordable Access for Education, Health and Empowerment Act here in Lollestrom at IGF. And you get to be a part of it on Friday at 9am. We don’t know what the future has in store for us. And I was wondering if I could ask my guests to come up with one word, one topic that you think is the next big thing, the thing to watch here at IGF. We can start with you Harald. So in a world that seems to crack everywhere, stay connected. I can continue to say time to unite in these difficult times. And I’d follow up with make it happen. And my words would be digital commons. Mine is democracy. When it comes to the history of the Internet, in the great scheme of things, it’s only just begun. And I would like to invite you to keep on making history and join me in the opening of the IGF 2025. If you would please follow me to the plenary session so we can start the opening. Thank you so much for your attention. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Agreement points

Internet as essential infrastructure requiring universal access

Speakers

– Harald Alvestrand
– Josef Noll
– Linda Firveld

Arguments

Internet should be for everyone

75% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t use mobile broadband due to cost, requiring inclusive connectivity models

Internet and home Wi-Fi represent the fourth pillar of infrastructure alongside electricity and water

Summary

All three speakers agree that Internet access should be universal and treated as essential infrastructure, though they approach it from different angles – Harald from a philosophical perspective, Josef from addressing barriers in developing countries, and Linda from infrastructure classification

Topics

Infrastructure | Development | Human rights

Technology should serve democratic and social purposes beyond commercial interests

Speakers

– Harald Alvestrand
– Kjetil Kjernsmo

Arguments

Internet culture aligns with Norwegian values of interconnection and people-level problem solving

Norway’s 2004 constitutional change requiring conditions for open public discourse needs new institutions with democratic mandates

Summary

Both speakers emphasize that Internet technology should prioritize democratic values and social connection over purely commercial objectives, with Harald focusing on cultural alignment and Kjetil on institutional reform

Topics

Human rights | Sociocultural | Legal and regulatory

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers focus on Internet’s transformative potential for developing countries and underserved populations, with Kristin demonstrating successful implementation in health systems and Josef proposing inclusive access models

Speakers

– Kristin Braa
– Josef Noll

Arguments

Internet revolutionized Global South through health information systems, scaling from post-apartheid South Africa to 80+ countries

Digital infrastructure should follow a ‘road model’ where basic connectivity enables free access for digital pedestrians and cyclists

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Economic

Both speakers highlight Norway’s pioneering role in Internet infrastructure development and innovation, showcasing the country’s leadership from early adoption to complete digital transition

Speakers

– Adelie Dorseuil
– Linda Firveld

Arguments

Norway developed first mobile web browser (Opera) and presented Winter Olympics online in 1993-1994

Norway achieved near 100% Internet coverage and transitioned to all-Internet traffic by 2022

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Unexpected consensus

Need for institutional reform in technology governance

Speakers

– Harald Alvestrand
– Kjetil Kjernsmo

Arguments

Investment needed in growing next generation of Internet leaders beyond the first generation

Social media functions as infrastructure for public discourse, relationships, and commerce requiring democratic oversight

Explanation

Despite coming from different backgrounds (technical Internet development vs. democratic technology governance), both speakers unexpectedly converge on the need for new institutional approaches – Harald focusing on leadership succession and Kjetil on democratic governance structures

Topics

Human rights | Sociocultural | Development

Infrastructure as foundation for broader social and economic transformation

Speakers

– Kristin Braa
– Linda Firveld

Arguments

Internet revolutionized Global South through health information systems, scaling from post-apartheid South Africa to 80+ countries

Connected devices in Norwegian homes increased dramatically, preparing for a service economy as the fifth infrastructure pillar

Explanation

Unexpectedly, both speakers from very different contexts (Global South health systems vs. Norwegian broadband industry) agree that Internet infrastructure enables fundamental societal transformation beyond mere connectivity

Topics

Infrastructure | Development | Economic

Overall assessment

Summary

The speakers demonstrate strong consensus on Internet as essential infrastructure, the need for inclusive access models, and technology serving democratic/social purposes. There’s also agreement on Norway’s pioneering role and the transformative potential of Internet for societal development.

Consensus level

High level of consensus with complementary perspectives rather than conflicting views. The speakers approach common themes from different angles (technical, policy, development, commercial) but arrive at similar conclusions about Internet’s fundamental importance and need for inclusive, democratically-governed access. This consensus suggests a mature understanding of Internet governance challenges and opportunities.

Different viewpoints

Approach to Internet access barriers in developing regions

Speakers

– Kristin Braa
– Josef Noll

Arguments

Internet revolutionized Global South through health information systems, scaling from post-apartheid South Africa to 80+ countries

75% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t use mobile broadband due to cost, requiring inclusive connectivity models

Summary

Kristin emphasizes the revolutionary success of Internet scaling in the Global South through health systems, while Josef highlights that 75% still lack access due to cost barriers, suggesting current models are insufficient

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Economic

Assessment of current Internet technology’s impact on society

Speakers

– Harald Alvestrand
– Kjetil Kjernsmo

Arguments

Internet culture aligns with Norwegian values of interconnection and people-level problem solving

Current technology has created cracks in democratic fabric due to lack of proper institutional development

Summary

Harald views Internet technology positively as aligning with Norwegian values of connection and problem-solving, while Kjetil sees current technology as damaging to democratic institutions

Topics

Sociocultural | Human rights

Unexpected differences

Optimism vs. concern about Internet’s societal impact

Speakers

– Harald Alvestrand
– Kjetil Kjernsmo

Arguments

Internet culture aligns with Norwegian values of interconnection and people-level problem solving

Current technology has created cracks in democratic fabric due to lack of proper institutional development

Explanation

Unexpected because both are Norwegian Internet pioneers, yet Harald maintains an optimistic view of Internet’s alignment with Norwegian values while Kjetil expresses serious concern about technology’s damage to democracy

Topics

Sociocultural | Human rights

Overall assessment

Summary

The discussion shows moderate disagreement primarily around the effectiveness of current Internet models and technology’s impact on society, with speakers agreeing on goals but differing on approaches

Disagreement level

Low to moderate disagreement level. Most speakers share common goals of universal access and democratic values, but differ on assessment of current progress and methods to achieve objectives. This suggests healthy debate within a shared framework rather than fundamental ideological divisions.

Partial agreements

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers focus on Internet’s transformative potential for developing countries and underserved populations, with Kristin demonstrating successful implementation in health systems and Josef proposing inclusive access models

Speakers

– Kristin Braa
– Josef Noll

Arguments

Internet revolutionized Global South through health information systems, scaling from post-apartheid South Africa to 80+ countries

Digital infrastructure should follow a ‘road model’ where basic connectivity enables free access for digital pedestrians and cyclists

Topics

Development | Infrastructure | Economic

Both speakers highlight Norway’s pioneering role in Internet infrastructure development and innovation, showcasing the country’s leadership from early adoption to complete digital transition

Speakers

– Adelie Dorseuil
– Linda Firveld

Arguments

Norway developed first mobile web browser (Opera) and presented Winter Olympics online in 1993-1994

Norway achieved near 100% Internet coverage and transitioned to all-Internet traffic by 2022

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Key takeaways

Norway has been a consistent early adopter and innovator in Internet technology, from the first ARPANET connection in 1973 to becoming the first country to transition all traffic through Internet by 2022

The Internet’s transformative power is most evident in the Global South, where it enabled leapfrogging of traditional infrastructure and scaling of critical services like healthcare across 80+ countries

Internet access should be treated as essential infrastructure (the ‘fourth pillar’ alongside electricity and water) and requires inclusive models to ensure universal access

Current Internet governance faces democratic challenges, with technology creating ‘cracks in the fabric of democracy’ due to inadequate institutional frameworks

The Norwegian model demonstrates that Internet development should align with cultural values of interconnection and people-level problem-solving

Investment in developing the next generation of Internet leaders is crucial for sustaining Internet development beyond the first generation of pioneers

Resolutions and action items

Launch of the Affordable Access for Education, Health and Empowerment Act scheduled for Friday at 9am during IGF

Tour of Kjeller (The Basement) facility recommended for Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. to learn about Internet history

Need to build new institutions that develop technology with democratic mandates rather than just commercial ones

Requirement to create open global digital common space ecosystems for social media infrastructure

Unresolved issues

75% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still cannot access mobile broadband due to cost barriers

How to effectively implement the ‘road model’ for digital infrastructure to ensure free access for basic users

How to address the democratic governance gap in social media and Internet infrastructure

How to scale successful connectivity models from remote locations like Maasai villages to broader populations

How other countries can replicate Norway’s success in achieving near 100% Internet coverage

Suggested compromises

The ‘road model’ approach where infrastructure builders invest in connectivity while allowing free access for ‘digital pedestrians and cyclists’

Balancing commercial and democratic mandates in technology development through new institutional frameworks

But what we have today is not what I grew up to love. Most seriously, the technology has opened cracks in the fabric of democracy. This was not inevitable. It happened because some powerful men didn’t have a clue on how to build successful societies, but it can be made really good.

Speaker

Kjetil Kjernsmo

Reason

This comment is deeply insightful because it shifts the entire discussion from celebrating technological achievements to confronting the unintended consequences of internet development. It introduces a critical perspective that challenges the prevailing narrative of technological progress as inherently positive, and specifically identifies the threat to democratic institutions.

Impact

This comment fundamentally changed the tone of the discussion from celebratory to reflective and critical. It moved the conversation beyond technical achievements to examine the societal implications of internet development, setting up the framework for discussing solutions like democratic institutions and digital commons.

In 2004, the Norwegian constitution was changed to include that the authorities of the state shall create conditions that facilitate open and enlightened public discourse. Unfortunately, there was a sin of omission that the state did not immediately realize that this means that we need to build new institutions. Institutions that develop technology with a democratic mandate rather than just a commercial one.

Speaker

Kjetil Kjernsmo

Reason

This is a profound observation that connects constitutional principles to technological governance. It’s thought-provoking because it identifies a specific gap between democratic ideals and technological implementation, proposing that technology development should have democratic rather than purely commercial mandates.

Impact

This comment introduced the concept of institutional innovation as necessary for democratic technology governance. It provided a concrete example of how legal frameworks need to evolve to address technological challenges, influencing the discussion toward governance solutions.

So being able to utilize and leapfrog the fixed net, totally no fixed net, no fixed phone, only mobile Internet… That was a revolution in 2010.

Speaker

Kristin Braa

Reason

This comment is insightful because it illustrates how developing countries can bypass traditional infrastructure limitations through mobile technology. It demonstrates that technological advancement doesn’t always follow linear paths and that constraints can sometimes lead to innovative solutions.

Impact

This shifted the discussion from a Norway-centric perspective to a global one, showing how internet development can have different trajectories in different contexts. It introduced the concept of technological leapfrogging and expanded the conversation to include Global South perspectives.

Despite what Christian said, we still have 75% of people in Africa, south of Sahara who don’t use mobile broadband because it’s too expensive. So we should ask ourselves, are the models which we are using, inclusive models?

Speaker

Josef Noll

Reason

This comment is thought-provoking because it challenges the optimistic narrative about mobile internet adoption by highlighting persistent inequality. It forces a critical examination of whether current business models are truly serving universal access goals.

Impact

This comment grounded the discussion in current realities and introduced the critical question of inclusivity in internet access models. It led to the introduction of innovative approaches like ‘The Walk on the Internet’ and the road metaphor for digital infrastructure.

Internet and home Wi-Fi is to be considered as the fourth pillar of infrastructure, meaning it’s a household utility. People just expect this to just work just as electricity and water.

Speaker

Linda Firveld

Reason

This comment is insightful because it reframes internet access from a luxury or service to a fundamental utility, comparable to basic infrastructure needs. It suggests a fundamental shift in how society conceptualizes internet access.

Impact

This comment elevated the discussion about internet access to the level of basic human needs and infrastructure rights. It provided a framework for understanding why universal access is not just desirable but necessary, and set up the concept of a ‘fifth pillar’ representing the service economy.

Overall assessment

These key comments transformed what began as a celebratory historical overview of Norwegian internet achievements into a nuanced discussion about democracy, inequality, and the future of internet governance. Kjernsmo’s critical perspective on democracy was particularly pivotal, shifting the entire tone from triumphant to reflective. The comments collectively moved the discussion through three phases: celebration of technical achievements, recognition of persistent inequalities and democratic challenges, and finally toward solutions involving new institutions and inclusive models. The speakers built upon each other’s insights, creating a comprehensive narrative that connected local Norwegian innovations to global challenges and future governance needs.

How can we invest in and grow the people who will take over from the first generation of Internet pioneers?

Speaker

Harald Alvestrand

Explanation

This addresses the critical need for knowledge transfer and capacity building as the original Internet pioneers age out of active roles

How can we develop inclusive models that ensure everyone can access and afford mobile broadband, particularly in regions where 75% of people don’t use it due to cost?

Speaker

Josef Noll

Explanation

This highlights the ongoing digital divide issue and the need for sustainable, affordable connectivity solutions in underserved regions

How can we build new institutions that develop technology with a democratic mandate rather than just a commercial one?

Speaker

Kjetil Kjernsmo

Explanation

This addresses the need for governance structures that prioritize democratic values and public interest over purely commercial interests in technology development

How can we create open global digital common space ecosystems for social media infrastructure?

Speaker

Kjetil Kjernsmo

Explanation

This focuses on developing alternative models for social media that serve as public infrastructure rather than private commercial platforms

How can we address the cracks in democracy that technology has created?

Speaker

Kjetil Kjernsmo

Explanation

This addresses the urgent need to understand and mitigate the negative impacts of current technology implementations on democratic processes and institutions

How can we prepare for and implement the ‘fifth pillar of infrastructure’ – the service economy enabled by ubiquitous connectivity?

Speaker

Linda Firveld

Explanation

This explores the next phase of digital transformation where connectivity enables new forms of service delivery and economic models