Mark explained to Lydia that Taiwan's telecommunications market was still dominated by Chunghua Telecommunications Co, which controls most of the country's last-mile access and broadband services. Telecommunications monopoly is not unusual in most countries because of the unique nature of the industry and very few private companies can afford massive capita required. But what happened in Taiwan recently is not usual.

　A group of university students recently wrote to President Chen Shui-bian about the high broadband fees they are forced to pay. And two major national newspapers published articles about the high cost of a broadband connection in Taiwan. Most recently, Internet users joined hands to protest against big business groups in the telecommunications industry for their excessive charges and to demand more flexible usage of last-mile connections.

　Mark and Lydia studied the protesters' flyer, which listed ADSL speed and charges in Taiwan, Japan and Korea. It showed that they were a group of sensible Internet users but not irrational rioters. They simply wanted Chunghwa Telecommunications to release more last-mile access and to lower ADSL fees. By doing this, they hoped both Taiwan's broadband accessibility and competitiveness would be enhanced.

　In a democratic country, people protest against unfair things happening in their daily life, such as the quality of water, flour, low wages or workers rights. Mark realized from this protest in Taipei that people in Taiwan had considered broadband a necessity in their daily life and they knew what they needed. They knew how to seek resources and protect their own rights. They also knew what role broadband would play in terms of personal and even national competitiveness. This protest answered Mark's questions about what people really needed.