Free internet service proposal from the FCC

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by gacook

Paltry to you; not to the (literally) millions who don't have internet access because they simply can't afford it. There are people in our country who a deviance of $5 in their monthly expenses is too much for them to handle.

Personally, I don't see this as a bad idea--conceptually. If you look at the other developed economies around the globe, none of them pay as much for their internet/cell phones as we do. Our service providers know that we're willing to pay for this service, so they charge whatever they want; not what they need in order to make a bit of profit. If the government tosses a "free" option out there for people, I really don't see how it'll hurt the common citizen any.

Our cell phone service is not subsidized by our government. Many places around the world the cell service and all tele-communications are provided by the government. They are paying for it through higher taxes.

[RWebb]

cell phone service is indeed subsidized - they are simply not direct subsidies

Internet access may not yet be a need, but it is rapidly becoming one - it seems to fit very clearly into the def'n of a public utility.

ISPs and related businesses are clearly afraid of the US putting a system like this into operation (like most other nations have done) and it will heavily cut into the profits at least initially, tho the smart ones will migrate into the backbone and make money there.

The real question here is whether the benefits to society make this worthwhile.

[intakexhaust]

I see a national network perceived by most as free and the people will SUCK IT UP. But of course nothing is FREE... laughable. Private and public traded companies will battle full of the usual corrupted bidding for the government infrastructure. Privatized providers will either join or sink.

Of course the government will love it! Beyond all this, they will have a complete insight to everything we do on a network, know where you are 24/7 and have access to anything you have in BIG BRO cloud. It's going to be rammed down our throats but I hope the majority come out of the fog and fight this.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

True, but is it really a NEED? I don't see it as a need any more than a cell phone, cable TV, etc. NEED is food, water, shelter, etc. I'm jaded because I grew up in a household where my parents didn't have cable because they couldn't afford it, I don't think many really understand the concept of need vs want.

BTW, there are a number of places where free internet is available. Not only public and business locations with free wifi, but public libraries also offer free PCs and internet. I guess I just don't understand how I (taxpayer) am responsible for providing free wireless internet for those that can't currently afford it. Do we really need more people looking at online porn?

If you can't afford the internet, how the hell do you afford the devices to USE the internet?

[gacook]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

If you can't afford the internet, how the hell do you afford the devices to USE the internet?

Actually had that discussion during lunch today. Devices are dirt cheap these days; can pick up a laptop or some tablets for $200 or less. I think I pay around $60/month for my internet...so, the service is far more expensive than the device that utilizes said service.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by red-beard

The Interstate highway system is directly spelled out in the Constitution. What is the justification for the government creating a free internet access?

??? Lets just go with the mentioned word Interstate.......... a network of FREEWAYs and part of the National Hwy. System. Then we have the TOLLWAYs - somehow an extortion on top of our road fund budget for the National Highway System.

[gacook]

Personally, I wouldn't use a gov't-provided Wi-Fi service. I work for the government, and I'm in the encryption/communication/information security arena. I don't trust my Uncle enough to utilize this service

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by gacook

Actually had that discussion during lunch today. Devices are dirt cheap these days; can pick up a laptop or some tablets for $200 or less. I think I pay around $60/month for my internet...so, the service is far more expensive than the device that utilizes said service.

If I can't afford $5 month then I can't afford $200 one time either. You will need to subsidize my Ipad and my connection. And in two years when my internet device is obsolete and no longer meets security criteria defined by the gov' (and the computer hardware lobby) I will need you to subsidize another device for me.

[gacook]

Originally Posted by Scott R

If I can't afford $5 month then I can't afford $200 one time either. You will need to subsidize my Ipad and my connection. And in two years when my internet device is obsolete and no longer meets security criteria defined by the gov' (and the computer hardware lobby) I will need you to subsidize another device for me.

I know what you're saying. Oddly enough, when's the last time you saw someone using foodstamps who DIDN'T have a smart phone, though? I don't get it.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by gacook

I know what you're saying. Oddly enough, when's the last time you saw someone using foodstamps who DIDN'T have a smart phone, though? I don't get it.

OH no! Thread might get shifted to you know where....

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

If you can't afford the internet, how the hell do you afford the devices to USE the internet?

I wasn't being facetious with my original question, I'd like to hear your assessment as to how this provides a significant future opportunity that does not currently exist.

[gacook]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I wasn't being facetious with my original question, I'd like to hear your assessment as to how this provides a significant future opportunity that does not currently exist.

As a tax payer...I'd say this wouldn't benefit you at all. As a "good fellow citizen," however...you get some brownie points for helping the po' folks be able to surf the web for pr0n, too.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I wasn't being facetious with my original question, I'd like to hear your assessment as to how this provides a significant future opportunity that does not currently exist.

I know you weren't, that was my point.

INTERNET access is almost a necessity today. If you NEED it, go to the library or an internet cafe. You don't NEED wifi.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I know you weren't, that was my point.

INTERNET access is almost a necessity today. If you NEED it, go to the library or an internet cafe. You don't NEED wifi.

Sorry, I meant to reply to Jim. As you were Steve!

[RWebb]

the significant future opportunity is [1] very high bandwidth [2] everywhere (except a mile inside a Wilderness boundary, etc.)