The internet is dead.

[MrPopo]

It's hard to rely on competition to drive prices down in the ISP world because it costs a fortune to lay down all the cable required to compete. The cost of entry is so high for a new ISP company that we just don't see new ones develop, and if they do, it's usually in a new location where there will be less competition to begin with. Companies like Comcast that already laid the groundwork as cable companies have a clear advantage over any and all competitors. When new companies do attempt to start up, Comcast just provides temporary special packages that crush the competition's chances of ever getting off the ground. And of course, as a business, there's nothing stopping them from protecting their position in the number one spot.

It's just unfortunate because high speed internet has nearly become a necessity for modern life. Everything is online now, and if you don't have internet access, you don't have access to many things and you certainly lose almost all competitiveness on the job market. It's all so weird because the internet requires businesses like Comcast to run it, but I also agree with the notion that the internet should be a human right in the modern age. I don't know what the best way to handle it is, because I'm not sure if it's better left in the hands of private industry as it is now, or to launch a government program to provide internet access. It seems like things aren't so bad yet that it needs a federal program, but it could get there if ISPs runs prices too high and retains what is essentially a monopoly in each locale they operate (meaning, there are multiple ISPs, but each one usually runs without competition in their region).

I think it should work similar to how other utilities work today. It's not like you get to choose between Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy, for example, but they also aren't involved in any price gouging.

[Erik_Twice]

but I also agree with the notion that the internet should be a human right in the modern age.

Well, I think Internet is very important and greatly increases the quality of life of the users at little cost but it doesn't fit with other human rights very much like a decent public transport system doesn't.

[Hobie-wan]

This is the shitty shit I get. Slower than 76% of the US is again, ridiculous for the 4th largest city in the US. I'm not in an old neighborhood either so it can't be blamed on old infrastructrure that needs upgrading.



I work from home too and most of my bandwidth usage is shuffling around customer's information because of work. I spend a fair amount of time waiting on this data.

[Flake]

You should move to San Antonio, Hobie.

[DinnerX]

but I also agree with the notion that the internet should be a human right in the modern age.

Well, I think Internet is very important and greatly increases the quality of life of the users at little cost but it doesn't fit with other human rights very much like a decent public transport system doesn't.

I agree with General_Norris. An internet connection has a lot of benefits, but why should I be entitled to it?

[Ziggy]

The internet = libraries in my opinion. They hold the knowledge of the world. Yes, we should be entitled to that information. It's just an added bonus that we get to play games on the internet.

[BoneSnapDeez]

This is the shitty shit I get. Slower than 76% of the US is again, ridiculous for the 4th largest city in the US. I'm not in an old neighborhood either so it can't be blamed on old infrastructrure that needs upgrading.



I work from home too and most of my bandwidth usage is shuffling around customer's information because of work. I spend a fair amount of time waiting on this data.

Least you didn't get an F like me (rural Maine).

[DinnerX]

The internet = libraries in my opinion. They hold the knowledge of the world. Yes, we should be entitled to that information. It's just an added bonus that we get to play games on the internet.

I live in the country. I must pay to check out books from the library in town. Is this a rights violation? If internet connections and libraries really are rights we should all protest until the government agrees to pay for them for everyone. If we're entitled to them we shouldn't have to pay for them.

[alienjesus]

The internet = libraries in my opinion. They hold the knowledge of the world. Yes, we should be entitled to that information. It's just an added bonus that we get to play games on the internet.

I live in the country. I must pay to check out books from the library in town. Is this a rights violation? If internet connections and libraries really are rights we should all protest until the government agrees to pay for them for everyone. If we're entitled to them we shouldn't have to pay for them.

I'm entitled to access to clean water and food, but I still have to pay for them

[KDub]

Mmmm Good ole Wildblue....