In the early 1990s, Americans used their home phone lines to connect their desktop computers to the Internet via ISPs like AOL, Earthlink, or Netzero. Back then, the ISPs didn't have cost-effective technology to select particular sites for blocking or privileging.

In this quote, Marvin Ammori reflects on the early days of internet usage in the United States during the 1990s, when Americans primarily used home phone lines to connect their desktop computers to the internet through Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AOL, Earthlink, or Netzero. Ammori highlights how the technology at the time was quite basic and limited, with ISPs unable to effectively manage or control which sites were accessible to users. This lack of sophisticated technology meant that ISPs couldn't selectively block or prioritize certain websites or content.

Ammori's point emphasizes the evolution of internet regulation and the role of ISPs in shaping the online experience. In the early days, ISPs provided access to the internet without the ability to control or filter specific content, making the internet more of an open and unregulated space. As the technology developed, however, it became possible for ISPs to filter, block, or prioritize certain sites, leading to the debates about net neutrality and the importance of maintaining an open and fair internet.

The origin of this quote lies in Ammori’s work as a lawyer and advocate for net neutrality. His expertise in technology policy and his support for an open internet often led him to discuss how early internet infrastructure shaped modern debates around internet regulation. This reflection on the 1990s highlights how far internet access and regulation have evolved since those early days of dial-up connections.

Ammori’s observation serves as a historical context for understanding the current discussions on internet freedom and net neutrality. It points to how technological advancements and business models have influenced the way we access and experience the internet, and how the power of ISPs to control content is a significant concern in modern times. His comment reminds us of the importance of ensuring that the internet remains a space where access is equal and unimpeded by external control.