GAO says H1N1 flu could lead to Internet traffic jams

The GAO said a surge in Internet demand from all those kids accessing video files and games at home when they typically are in school (roughly 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) as well as under-the-weather employees suddenly telecommuting, could strain local networks, slowing the Internet.

Further, as of now, the GAO says it's uncertain whether the nation is prepared to deal with the problem. The GAO noted the U.S. government department responsible for ensuring that critical telecommunications infrastructure is protected, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), "has not developed a strategy to address potential Internet congestion or worked with federal partners to ensure that sufficient authorities to act exist. It also has not assessed the feasibility of conducting a campaign to obtain public cooperation to reduce nonessential Internet use to relieve congestion."

However, GAO added that because key securities exchanges and clearing organizations generally use proprietary networks that bypass the public Internet, "their ability to execute and process trades should not be affected by any congestion."

Economic Analysis: A few hundred thousand more kids and adults logging on from home is one thing, but add millions of non-regular Internet users during business hours, and one can see how Internet networks could slow, if not become overwhelmed.