A global network is any communication network which spans the entire Earth. The term, as exposed in this article refers in a more restricted way to bidirectional communication networks, and to technology-based networks. Early networks such as mail and unidirectional communication networks, such as radio and television, are described elsewhere. The first global network was established using electrical telegraphy and global span was achieved in 1902. The telephony network was the second to achieve global status, in the 1950s, and more recently, interconnected IP networks, and the GSM mobile communication network form the largest global networks of all. Setting up global networks require immense, costly and lenghty efforts, and last for decades. Ellaborate interconnections, switching and routing devices, laying out physical carriers of information, such as land and submarine cables, wireless bridges must be set in operation. In addition, international communication protocols, legislation and agreements are involved.

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