The predecessors of Internet electronic mail are introduced into the ARPANET in 1972. Networks developed for remote access to computers thus become a channel for human communication. The early counterparts to e-mail were generally only discussion systems internal to mainframe systems.

The rudiments of many other future services were studied at this time.

During the 1970s, research on the ARPANET is carried out in the USA. This produces TCP/IP, the basis of the Internet.

In Europe, network research did not really evolve into true network services, partly as a result of the policies adopted by telecom monopolies. Only a few laboratories in Norway and the UK had links to American networks.

In 1970, the Bank of Finland bought a Univac 1108 computer for 11.5 million Marks for the DataSITRA project. This was installed at the State Computer Centre (VTKK), from where it could be remotely accessed by telecommunications links. By the end of 1971, the universities have 1200 and 2400 bit/s leased lines to this computer from DCT2000 remote batch-processing terminals fitted with line printers and punch-card equipment.

Microcomputers begin to be popular, initially mostly in the form of kits intended for enthusiasts and industry. In 1977, the ready-made Apple, Commodore PET and Tandy TRS-80 microcomputers came onto the mass market, launching the microcomputer revolution. Even though these computers usually had a serial communications port, mostly so they could be used as terminals, or for printers, linking of microcomputers to computer networks had to wait until the 1980s.