Decline and fall of the internet cafe

Help

Many US internet cafes have permanently shut their doors as mobile and wireless technology continues to grow. Are these outlets ultimately destined for the dustbin of history?

With fewer customers coming through the door, the Internet Garage cafe in Brooklyn, New York, has been forced to reboot its business plan and turn into an internet-service provider.

In a digital world full of mobile computers, experts believe what is happening in New York is a reflection of what may soon happen in many other developed nations.

"This was all part of the evolution of technology or society as we go along," says Sree Sreenivasan, Columbia University's chief technology officer.

Produced by the BBC's Matt Danzico

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.