Celebrating the Origins of Digital Communication
On October 29, 1969, a message containing just two letters “LO” was sent from UCLA to the Stanford Research Institute. Moments later, the system crashed.
What seemed like a failed experiment actually marked the beginning of something extraordinary: the first ARPANET connection, the foundation of what we now know as the Internet.
This simple data exchange was the birth of digital communication. For the first time, two computers located miles apart shared information over a network. It was a defining moment that would transform how the world connects, communicates, and collaborates.
From “LO” to “@” – The Birth of Email
Just two years later, in 1971, Ray Tomlinson, an engineer at BBN Technologies, made history once again by sending the first network email.
He introduced a small but revolutionary symbol – the “@” – to separate the user name from the host computer. That single character became a universal part of digital identity, paving the way for modern communication as we know it.
What began with “LO” quickly evolved into “Hello,” and then into billions of daily messages exchanged around the world. From business communications to personal connections, it became the very foundation of how we connect today – through email, and now omnichannel messaging.
Why These Milestones Matter
The early milestones of ARPANET and the first email were far more than technical achievements – they were catalysts for global communication.
These breakthroughs marked the shift from isolated computing to networked communication.
They also laid the groundwork for both enterprise and personal messaging.
Equally important, they emphasized the importance of protocols, addressing, and reliability – values that remain essential to messaging infrastructure today.
At HORISEN, these same principles continue to guide our mission as we build solutions that ensure every message – whether SMS, RCS, RBM, or email – is delivered securely, reliably, and without spam.
The Scale of Email Today – Why It’s Still Vital
More than five decades after its invention, email continues to dominate digital communication. Despite the rise of instant messaging, chat apps, and social platforms, email remains the backbone of business, marketing, and personal connectivity worldwide.
Here are some up-to-date insights that illustrate its scale and impact:
Global email users are expected to reach nearly 4.6 billion.
Daily email volume is projected at approx. 376 billion emails sent and received.
In 2025, email marketing ROI averages around $36 to $43 for every $1 spent (depending on region/industry).
The percentage of online adults using email in 2025 is about 92% in certain markets.
From Email to Omnichannel Messaging
At HORISEN, we recognise that email started the journey but modern business demands more: secure, scalable, regulated, multi-channel communication. From SMS to RCS to RBM and beyond.
We empower businesses with a robust messaging infrastructure that ensures trust, regulatory compliance, omnichannel connectivity, and spam-free message delivery.
From 1969 to Today – The Journey Continues
More than half a century after that first message, we honour the origins of digital communication and reaffirm how far we have come – but also how far we can go.
