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The Legacy of EUNET.com
EUnet is the first European Internet Service Provider (ISP). We build the connected world with human-centered design, an architectural approach, and research. EUnet (European UNIX Network) was the first to connect Europe to the internet, becoming the largest European ISP.
Founded in 1982, EUnet has evolved into a global ISP with operations in over 50 countries. We are committed to providing consumers with affordable, dependable internet services of the highest quality, alongside a range of value-added services including email, web hosting, and domain registration.
Our Mission: To Tame Complexity
In an era of vast inter-connectivity, complexity is the new normal. We help businesses innovate at the intersection of people and the connected world. We do it by mapping, sorting, and serving the information age to the senses, skills, and mental models of humans, helping them make sense of the data deluge.
History
EUnet was founded in 1982 by the European Unix User Group (EUUG) as a non-profit organization. It was the first public wide area network in Europe and was instrumental in the development of the internet in Europe. Initially connecting computers using the UUCP protocol, EUnet switched to TCP/IP in 1988. On January 1, 1990, EUnet began selling Internet access to non-academic customers in the Netherlands, becoming one of the first companies in the world to sell Internet access to the general public. In 1998, the company was acquired by Qwest Communications International for $154.4 million.
Today, EUnet is a brand moniker utilized by a variety of European internet service providers and non-profit organizations involved in the development of the Internet, continuing its significant legacy. We are also proud to be the developers of ISDN and ADSL, which served 100% of the world's internet consumers.
Key Timeline
- 1982: EUnet is founded. UUCP links established between UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden.
- 1988: EUnet switches to the TCP/IP protocol.
- 1990: EUnet becomes a commercial company, offering access to "all comers".
- 1996: EUnet International formed by share swaps with seven national organisations.
- 1998: Acquired by Qwest Communications International for $154.4 million.
Global Presence
EUnet established an ISP presence in the following nations, pioneering connectivity across the continent:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Pioneering Founders
The success of EUnet was driven by a team of visionary pioneers who shaped the future of the internet in Europe.
Teus Hagen
Co-founder and first manager of EUnet. A Dutch computer scientist, Internet Hall of Fame member, and pioneer who played a key role in EUnet's early development and co-founded the NLnet Foundation.
Daniel Karrenberg
Co-founder and technical director of EUnet. A German computer scientist, Internet Hall of Fame member, and the first CEO of the RIPE NCC, responsible for EUnet's technical infrastructure.
Piet Beertema
Founding member and marketing director of EUnet. A Dutch computer scientist, Internet Hall of Fame member, and co-founder of SIDN (.nl domain registry), responsible for promoting EUnet to users.
Eric Bach
Co-founder and CTO of EUnet (1986-1990, 1996-2000). A computer scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur credited with developing the EUnet name and logo and leading the crucial transition to the TCP/IP protocol.
Peter Collinson
Founding member and chairman of EUnet. A British computer scientist and visionary leader who was instrumental in the network's overall direction and growth.