Why Free Internet for All is Critical to US

On December 12th, 2008, the FCC delayed a decision for opening up unused airwaves so that free Internet for all US citizens could be created (see news article). Why? Because T-Mobile and the wireless association oppose the plan, stating that it would interfere with their Wireless service and is a bad business model.

But consider this: we in the US subsidize highways, believing it a right for all to be able to drive where they wish. We subsidize air travel, providing much of the air traffic control and security. We subsidize energy. All such services are seen as vital to the economy of the country. But for some reason, when it comes to information, and especially access to it, we think that it is simply a business, an optional extra that you are entitled to if you have the money.

But without free access to information, we are basically crippling the ability of the United States to compete on a global stage. Why? Because innovation comes from everywhere, and often it comes from individuals hungry to advance and without the access afforded those with money. Limit access and you limit innovation, and without innovation we will fall behind, way behind.

It is not a hard stretch these days to argue that information is the most valuable element of our economy and essential to the jobs of millions of Americans. Given the current downturn it is inevitable that many more individuals will start working in smaller businesses, perhaps businesses of their own, and the vast majority of such people will need to reply heavily on information. As the cost of oil and transportation in general increases, more and more individuals will be forced to work from home, using the Internet to work together.

Can we then assume that America can possibly be competitive without free access to the Internet? And what of T-Mobile and others. The bottom line for such companies is that they will lose profits and their current business model will be disrupted. Yes that is painful, but does that not bring to mind the Auto companies that lobbied against higher emission standards because they would lose profits and have their business model disrupted? Look where they are now: losers to international competition.