Archaeology of the Tomsk internet: Stages of development of digital forms of mediatized communication in 1991–2001

This article delves into the development of the digital communication and media environment in Tomsk and Tomsk Oblast from 1991 to 2001. The primary focus is on identifying specific features in the formation of the Tomsk Internet, known as "Tonet", and analyzing the digital transformation of local media within the social and infrastructural context of the region. The research is grounded in an examination of archival materials, media artifacts, and surviving sources, complemented by interviews with participants in Tomsk's early internet environment. By employing media archaeology methods, the study reconstructs pivotal stages in the evolution of Tomsk's digital infrastructure and media artifacts, employing a non-linear approach to media history. The study identifies the earliest preserved traces of interaction among Tomsk's internet users and the emergence of the first digital media and news websites. The article categorizes three key stages in the development of the Tomsk internet. The first stage (1991-1996) witnessed the emergence of initial users and media interactions, primarily through email and teleconferences. The second stage (1996-1998) encompassed the formation of virtual communities and the establishment of the first websites, reflecting the interests of local universities, media, and public organizations. The third stage (1998-2008) represented the zenith of Tomsk's internet (Tonet), characterized by a widespread utilization of Tomsk-based resources, such as email, news sites, file exchange, and messaging services, as well as "mirrors" of external sites. The study elucidates that the development of Tomsk's digital media environment was influenced by distinctive regional factors, particularly the availability of free intra-city traffic, which facilitated the popularity of local resources. Consequently, Tonet constituted a unique media landscape, leading to the creation of numerous distinctive internet resources. However, by 2008, the entry of major federal providers into the regional market diminished the economic incentives for local resource utilization, resulting in a decline in interest in Tonet resources. The historical trajectory of Tomsk's internet underscores the significance of examining regional media phenomena and emphasizes the imperative of preserving digital heritage. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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