We less government types have now spent a couple of decades opposing the government funding of Internet access.
One reason? The Left wants to end all private provider participation, seize their broadband assets – and have the government be the only Internet provider there is. How very Venezuela of them:
“At the moment, the battle over network neutrality is not to completely eliminate the telephone and cable companies. We are not at that point yet. But the ultimate goal is to get rid of the media capitalists in the phone and cable companies and to divest them from control.”
That’s not at all totalitarian. Think we have a problem with Big Tech censoring us? Wait until Big Government runs the show.
Another reason we oppose government funding Internet access? As with all things – government is awful at it.
Broadband Boondoggles – Failed Taxpayer-Funded Networks:
“For decades, governments have made promises of faster and cheaper broadband networks. Unfortunately, these networks often don’t deliver or fail, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Explore the map to learn about the massive debt, waste and broken promises left behind by these failed government networks.”
Broadband Boondoggles Litter the Big Government Landscape:
“And taxpayers are left picking up the pieces.”
No one is more in need of the following Harry Truman quote – than government advocates:
“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”
We’ve tried government broadband. Over and over and over again. It doesn’t work.
But it not working – doesn’t matter. As with all things government – we are inexorably, increasingly losing this battle.
The Barack Obama Administration-era government “stimulus” disaster spent $7.2 billion on broadband.
The Internet ‘Stimulus’ – Just as Destructive as the Rest of the ‘Stimulus’
Thirteen years of obscene government growth later? The Joe Biden Administration-era government “infrastructure” disaster spends $45 billion on broadband.
Biden Inc.’s ‘Infrastructure’: ‘White House Moves to Reshape Role of US Capitalism’
Why all of this ongoing, growing, government-sponsored idiocy? A toxic stew of disinformation and misinformation. From the Left, of course.
Government Is Lying About What Broadband Is and What We Need From It
Government ‘Digital Divide’ Lies: They Don’t Even Count Your Smart Phone as an Internet Connection
To Attack the Internet, Obama Admin is About to Lie About It. Again
Why Don’t Republicans Know DC and Democrats Are Lying About Internet Access?
Government pays for all of its Internet idiocy – by taking money from us. Natch.
More Broadband Access for Everyone? Get Rid of the Massive Government Taxes and Fees
But guess who gets taxed for these idiocies – and guess who doesn’t?
Government imposes its massive Internet taxes – on the Internet providers. Thereby driving up the prices we pay for Internet access. How counterintuitive, counterproductive and stupid is that little closed-circle of idiocy?
But government imposes none of its massive Internet taxes – on Big Tech.
Another Big Tech Crony Free Ride That Needs to End
So let’s complete the picture:
Internet providers have spent hundreds of billions of dollars to build the Internet. And will spend hundreds of billions more to continue its growth and development.
Meanwhile, Big Tech has spent NOTHING to build the Internet. And will continue to spend NOTHING to continue its growth and development. All the while, they have made tens of trillions of dollars from their perpetual free ride. And will continue to make tens of trillions more.
Government massively taxes Internet providers – to pay for the government pretending to build the Internet. Thereby massively driving up the prices we pay for access.
But doesn’t tax Big Tech for government’s Internet follies – at all.
Is government looking to correct this policy idiocy? Heavens no. They’re looking to make it permanent.
Government is again looking to impose Net Neutrality.
Biden’s Call to Restore Net Neutrality
Why the Crazy ‘Net Neutrality’ Demands From the Left
Which is government ensconcing via fiat that Big Tech will never, ever pay for any of this government-Internet idiocy.
Net Neutrality? Big Tech Is MUCH Bigger Than ISPs – So Big Gov Sides With Big Tech
Because that seems fair.
Oh: And we already know this Net Neutrality trip is exceedingly stupid.
The European Union Tries Net Neutrality – Discovers It Is Exceedingly Stupid
Harry Truman is yet again left very, very disappointed by the Left.