SALT LAKE CITY — In the 1990s, internet users browsed through text-based web pages, played Pac-Man and made new friends via chat rooms with dial-up speeds of 56 kilobits per second — around 0.056 Mbps.

In today’s age of streaming services, 0.056 Mbps is staggeringly slow and archaic, but for the new dial-up user, the world was at their fingertips.

Even in the early days of the internet, users demanded faster internet speeds, and that demand has only grown over time. Especially in recent years, public interest in better internet service has driven substantial developments industry-wide, meaning the market of the future will likely be very different from what it is today.

Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest changes over the last year — and what these adjustments could mean for connectivity in 2017.

Google Fiber Leads the Gigabit Revolution — Then Fizzles

With internet use spreading across just about every demographic, the demand for faster, more reliable internet has skyrocketed. And for many, the promise of fiber-optic internet’s gigabit speed was the answer.

With fiber connectivity, information is relayed through pulses of light that pass through an optical fiber. Though the technology was developed decades ago, it was not until recently that fiber technology became more widely used for commercial internet.

In 2012, Google launched its first fiber internet service in Kansas City, effectively launching the gigabit revolution. Two years later, the search engine giant announced that it was planning to bring fiber to a total of thirty-four cities across the country.

However, last year Google announced that it was halting the expansion of its fiber operations in several areas. The company managed to set up fiber connectivity in eight cities before the pause, but for the remaining areas, future developments are up in the air. As a result, metropolitan areas that were expecting ultra-fast internet were left hanging.

In lieu of fiber, Google is now trying out wireless internet options. Rather than sending data over cables, the company will use wireless antennas to beam data to and from its users’ homes or businesses. While the tech isn’t widely available, it does boast a less-involved installation process, which could make it more viable for rural residents who don’t have access to cable or fiber infrastructures.

Internet Race Begins Between Facebook and SpaceX

Google, however, isn’t the only company taking to the air. Heavy web users now have two other contenders to back: Facebook’s solar-powered drone, Aquila, and Elon Musk’s plan to launch over 4,000 low-orbit satellites. Both projects aim to deliver fast internet on a global scale, through different airborne methods.

While both Zuckerberg and Musk have noble intentions, both tech giants still have quite a ways to go before they accomplish their goals. Aquila, for example, is far from perfect. Developers of the solar-powered plane admitted that the test flight revealed a host of engineering challenges that might take years for them to iron out — not the least of which is the drone’s hefty cost.

As for SpaceX, it could take another five years to launch all of the satellites successfully. Musk’s 4,000-satellite goal will increase the number of satellites in orbit by almost 300%, which is by no means an easy or immediate feat. Even for the initial launch of 800 satellites in the United States, the exact date is still unclear.

Developments Force the Market to Adjust

With all of these recent developments in internet technology, existing providers have to become even more flexible and innovative. Outdated technologies with limited speed capacities won’t be able to carry public favor for much longer.

AT&T, for instance, recently announced its commitment to deploy fiber in 67 metros across the country. This expanding network underwent a rebranding effort a few months ago, emerging on the other side as AT&T Fiber.

What’s notable about this rebranding isn’t just the service name — it’s also the technology behind it. AT&T indicated that its new offering would be delivered "through a mix of the latest network technologies," which bodes well for integration with future innovation.

Be Future-Ready with Choice of Internet in 2017

More than anything, these recent developments highlight the connectivity industry’s volatility. What’s cutting edge today could be outdated in a matter of years or even months. As such, it’s imperative that users find a provider that offers plan flexibility, frequent technology updates or both.

While actual quality depends on the company providing service, fiber internet is one of the top options out there — for now. In addition to allowing fast HD movie downloads, fiber keeps users fairly future-ready. Even if broadband speeds keep growing over the next decade, the existing fiber-optic networks in each area will still be able to support some growth, especially if the provider prioritizes infrastructure upgrades.

Fiber also shows less susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, meaning data transfers will be quick and seamless, even if there's a lot of wireless activity in the home.

From Napster’s small song downloads in the ’90s to substantial Netflix streaming today, internet capabilities have come a long way. Users can be prepared for what future developments are on the horizon in 2017 by taking a good look at the service they currently have. It may not all be as future-proof as it once seemed.

Jack Frey is a freelance writer based out of Salt Lake City. He loves all things tech, entertainment, and the arts. Contact him at jacktfrey@gmail.com