Just a little add-on to a thread I started earlier.
I dont see a huge threat at the moment but it opens the possibility for a group wanting a superior technology (Europe) or a group wanting superior control/censorship (China/Arab League) to build a new network domain. The new system could interface with the original Internet but it is interesting to ponder a "second mover" advantage in this type of market. China in particular poses an interesting concern as both their alphabet and government (not to mention size) are so different.
In Threat to Internet's Clout, Some Are Starting Alternatives
Rise of Developing Nations, Anti-U.S. Views Play Role; Pioneer Sounds the Alarm
A 'Root' Grows in Germany
January 19, 2006
More than a decade after the Internet became available for commercial use, other countries and organizations are erecting rivals to it -- raising fears that global interconnectivity will be diminished.
German computer engineers are building an alternative to the Internet to make a political statement. A Dutch company has built one to make money. China has created three suffixes in Chinese characters substituting for .com and the like, resulting in Web sites and email addresses inaccessible to users outside of China. The 22-nation Arab League has begun a similar system using Arabic suffixes.
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