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The concerning part of this deal isn't ad reach or who has "access" to certain markets. TV is a luxury, and simply functions as entertainment for the vast majo

The concerning part of this deal isn't ad reach or who has "access" to certain markets. TV is a luxury, and simply functions as entertainment for the vast majority of Americans. More and more people are "cutting cable" than ever, deciding that they'll find their entertainment somewhere else. The concerning part is high-speed internet, which is coming close to a necessity for many people to live and work, and it will only progressively become more-so. Comcast is my only option for high-speed internet, and they charge me too much for speeds that are too slow, but I have to pay it.

LandoCalrissian 13y ago
I honestly can't see how someone could function without the internet in this day and age. Even for minimum wage jobs you typically have to apply online. Not to mention just finding those potential employers would be pretty arduous without a connection . Asking someone making $7 an hour to pay $50 - $70 a month for internet is unreasonable. I don't know why it isn't treated as a utility at this point, since to have any shot of upward monetary mobility it's essentially required. The answer of course is to make providers common carriers, but money and political will make that extremely challenging.
- Shivetya 13y ago
  You would be surprised about how many people live just fine without the internet. Radio, the paper, and TV are their sources of information. Job fairs, government handouts, and more, are covered in many ways through those three mediums. Then add in the personal networks, friends and family, and ever present cell phones. If anything their cell phones are far more important than the internet. Upward mobility is primarily an effect of self discipline and will power. Internet and related are simply tools that help one get there but by no means are not the limiting factor.
  - Karunamon 13y ago
    And you would be surprised how much of a shrinking segment that represents. The trend is toward a more connected society and not having access to the technology is quickly becoming a non-option. Data is quickly becoming just another utility, along with power, water, and climate control, and just as necessary.
- VLM 13y ago
  "since to have any shot of upward monetary mobility it's essentially required" Uh, yeah, they know, and since the policy goal is to eliminate upward mobility, this is not exactly supportive for internet access.
deleted 13y ago
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pdkl95 13y ago
Exactly. While TV is certainly a luxury, internet access is not. Many jobs require some sort of internet access when applying. More and more services are becoming internet-only. This is actually one of the strongest arguments against all that "three strikes" progressive-enforcement the copyright cartels keep trying to propose; is sharing a movie 3 times worth taking away someone's ability to find a job, or participate in all those profit-making interactions with modern businesses?

LandoCalrissian 13y ago

I honestly can't see how someone could function without the internet in this day and age. Even for minimum wage jobs you typically have to apply online. Not to mention just finding those potential employers would be pretty arduous without a connection . Asking someone making $7 an hour to pay $50 - $70 a month for internet is unreasonable. I don't know why it isn't treated as a utility at this point, since to have any shot of upward monetary mobility it's essentially required. The answer of course is to make providers common carriers, but money and political will make that extremely challenging.

Shivetya 13y ago
You would be surprised about how many people live just fine without the internet. Radio, the paper, and TV are their sources of information. Job fairs, government handouts, and more, are covered in many ways through those three mediums. Then add in the personal networks, friends and family, and ever present cell phones. If anything their cell phones are far more important than the internet. Upward mobility is primarily an effect of self discipline and will power. Internet and related are simply tools that help one get there but by no means are not the limiting factor.
- Karunamon 13y ago
  And you would be surprised how much of a shrinking segment that represents. The trend is toward a more connected society and not having access to the technology is quickly becoming a non-option. Data is quickly becoming just another utility, along with power, water, and climate control, and just as necessary.
VLM 13y ago
"since to have any shot of upward monetary mobility it's essentially required" Uh, yeah, they know, and since the policy goal is to eliminate upward mobility, this is not exactly supportive for internet access.

deleted 13y ago

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pdkl95 13y ago

Exactly. While TV is certainly a luxury, internet access is not. Many jobs require some sort of internet access when applying. More and more services are becoming internet-only. This is actually one of the strongest arguments against all that "three strikes" progressive-enforcement the copyright cartels keep trying to propose; is sharing a movie 3 times worth taking away someone's ability to find a job, or participate in all those profit-making interactions with modern businesses?