It's not exactly like that technologically, but you've got the right idea. Don't forget that the crux of the issue is at what price the order gets executed; in this case, at whatever the order flow broker dealer's offer is, in the event of a market buy.
The fact that it's sent via the internet or through "email" takes time, which of course degrades the quality of the execution, but is not necessarily the lynchpin. Even a direct access broker would be useless for best price achievement if the order was sent, instantaneously, to a singular broker dealer's market.
The issue is: by getting executed at the executing BD's market, you're seldom hitting or taking the inside market (current NBBO). They can charge $5.00 or $10.00 per execution because they are pocketing, or selling to another firm, the spread. (Don't expect price improvement, it tends to cut into the profit margins a little. <g>)
On the other hand, use limit orders and you're pretty likely to get the price you want, order flow brokerage or direct.
I don't think Datek sells their order flow, but, I don't know for certain.
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