🚀 go-pugleaf

In a recent Wall Street Journal (6/22) there was a small article about a 
company called Bolt Beranek who is buying up Internet service providers.  
Most recently they have signed a letter of intent to acquire Bay Area 
Regional Research Network.  As a stock analyst for an insurance firm who 
is always looking for good ideas, I am trying to understand this 
industry.  I don't understand how people connect to the internet.  I know 
that I connect through a service in Boston.  Does this service have to 
connect to a bigger service like the Bay Area Regional Research Network?  
If so how much does it cost?  And why can't they just connect directly 
themselves?  How much does it cost to operate a connection to the 
internet?  Isn't just a computer with a bunch of modems and maybe some 
software?  
I would apprecitate any help understanding how people connect and your 
thoughts on what the industry (if there is one) will look like in the future.
Sean