RAM prices are skyrocketing, largely due to the surge in AI, which has pushed major DRAM manufacturers like Micron to prioritize High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI hyperscalers. This shift has huge implications for small VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosts. The cost of servers has doubled, with prices jumping from around $2,500 to $5,000, and RAM alone is now $2,500. As small VPS providers struggle with these rising costs, there's a fear they may face a fate similar to that of small ISPs in the 2000s, which vanished under pressure from big telecom companies. The article recalls the 90s and early 2000s when numerous small ISPs flourished, supported by regulations that required major telecom companies to share their infrastructure. However, after the FCC shifted policies under President Bush, many of these small ISPs went out of business. The new landscape favored large telecom firms that could dictate prices and terms, ultimately leading to higher costs and diminished competition. Unlike the past, where line sharing was legally required, there are no such obligations for RAM production, putting small VPS hosts at an even greater disadvantage. The current situation for VPS hosts differs from that of DSL ISPs. While the latter had a legally mandated framework for sharing networks, small VPS providers rely on standard server technologies that are not guaranteed. The dependence on DRAM, essential for their operations, means that if suppliers focus solely on serving large tech companies, small providers might struggle to survive. The market could end up dominated by a few large players, forcing smaller businesses and individuals to either pay higher prices or forgo VPS hosting altogether. This trend could limit options for developers and sysadmins who rely on affordable and specialized services.