The internet should be a public utility (qz.com)

Article summary

The article argues that the internet should be considered a public utility, like water or electricity, due to its essential role in modern life, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. It highlights the importance of internet access for education, employment, and connecting with others, and notes that lack of access exacerbates existing class divides. The article also discusses the role of internet service providers and their profits, as well as the need for widespread access regardless of economic circumstances. The pandemic has illuminated the interconnectedness of everyone and everything, making internet access a critical necessity.

Main themes

• internet as public utility
• net neutrality
• access and affordability
• regulation and government intervention
• competition and municipal initiatives
• technological solutions and innovations
• social and economic implications
• class divides and inequality

What commenters say

• The internet should be a public utility, and its provision should not be left to private companies motivated by profit.
• Competition can help regulate internet service providers and improve access, but it is not always effective in rural or underserved areas.
• Municipal internet initiatives can provide a viable alternative to private providers and help ensure widespread access.
• The current state of internet access is unacceptable, with many areas lacking reliable and affordable options, and a more comprehensive solution is needed.
• Regulation and government intervention are necessary to ensure net neutrality and prevent internet service providers from prioritizing their own interests over those of their customers.
• The focus on high-speed internet may be misguided, and a more basic level of access may be sufficient for many users, but this does not address the issue of availability and affordability.
• The development of new technologies, such as 5G and satellite internet, may offer potential solutions to the problem of internet access, but their implementation and impact are still uncertain.
• The issue of internet access is closely tied to broader social and economic issues, including class divides and the role of government in regulating essential services.