For some time, many cafes, libraries, shops, stations, airports and restaurants have been installing wi-fi access points so customers can surf the web as they eat, browse or wait.

Dr Jo Twist, senior research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research, said once the net was ubiquitous like power and water, it had the potential to be “transformative”. The divide that separates people from their online lives will utterly disappear. Instead of leaving behind all those net-based friends and activities when you walk out of your front door, you will be able to take them with you.

“A ubiquitous, cheap or free wireless network…could help encourage innovative uses of that network which enliven our public spaces as well as our networks with each other,” said Dr. Twist.

The article echoes the “Cyberspace is Dead” sentiment, and prompts us to consider some of the social and cultural possibilities of ubiquitous access.