About the only truly universal link between human worlds, the Network is a sophisticated computer system, combined with a series of dedicated and independent FTL broadcast units. Most minor colonies sporadically recieve the Network through their standard FTL communication gear, while larger communities have dedicated systems. It has been said that the Network defines the limits of human civilization - areas beyond the range of the Network are called the Outer Veil, and only a few newly populated colonies exist in this region.
The Network keeps a colony in touch. It transmits regular news, which is usually only a week or so out of date. It allows the colonists a permanent service for sending messages to other worlds, although the cost of sending messages is very high. Finally can also be used like the old Internet to download information on a wide range of subjects, although again the cost of FTL communications makes interstellar downloads very expensive.
The Network is a multinational project whose security is guaranteed by several major treaties. It is maintained by the Interstellar Commerce Commission, a multinational organisation with representatives from many nations and corporations, so no single group can dominate it. Restricting access to information on the Network is basically impossible, so security must be maintained either by encyrption or by using non-Network FTL systems. The later system is expensive and only available to major corporations and governments.