Abstract
The global nature of the new information and communication network has been questioned because of the obvious exclusion of developing countries in the development of the contemporary structure. Leaving aside the troublesome term ‘developing countries’, it is still very obvious that the poorer southern countries are in a different position in applying new technology compared to the so-called advanced western countries. Even if there are good reasons to defend the argument for the unilateral and onesided quality of the global network, this article will tell a story of its enlargement into the Gambia, one of the poorest countries of West Africa. While not generalizing from this example because particular characteristics apply, it is still suggested that there are good reasons for the extension of the network right across the globe. The emphasis will be on the cultural and social aspects of the network and less on its policy and infrastructure side. The article looks at the everyday ways and needs of exploiting the Net which explain its current expansion.