The FCC is apparently mulling over whether or not to reclassify the internet as a public utility. As you can probably tell, i find this to be profoundly stupid (but what do you expect from a country that requires a person to buy a commercial service?)
No, the internet is obviously not a public utility (like water, power, sewer, etc). These public utilities are essentially heavily regulated (and taxed) because they are seen as natural monopolies.
The internet situation is not the same. The internet is usually provided in an oligopoly setting (usually multiple big providers - like telecoms, cable companies, wireless providers and maybe even satellite providers). Furthermore, you have other ISPs (who are likely licensing bandwidth from the providers). So, there is some inherent competition there - not the same as a public utility.
Would more heavily regulating the internet provider be "good" for the consumer? Nope (unless you like less options and more taxes on the service). Forget innovation. The internet is not a static situation like a utility. Just when there seems to be a push to increase internet speeds - the US government wants to step in and crush that. More regulations - less efficiency. No, the internet is not a right.
This seems more like an attempt for a government takeover of the internet provider industry (without paying for any of the expensive wiring). Regardless of your views on net neutrality, this seems like a really bad idea.
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