Should the City of Berkeley Provide Free WIFI to All Its Residents

This is a fascinating subject. Having read all the arguments for and against, there are clearly very defensible views on both sides of this issue. I think there are really two issues:

1. is free WiFi a good thing?
2. If so, should the City of Berkeley provide it?

On the first part, I feel that it is a good thing. Too many sources of information have been privatized over the last 25 years, limiting access to them based on the ability to pay. This is not only unfair to those who cannot afford access, but is also a hindrance to cross-fertilizing ideas, a process that builds community spirit and understanding among citizens, which in turn engages us to give more back to our communities. The internet is a vital resource, and should be viewed as a public good.

On the second part, it seems to me that the question of whether the City should provide it comes down to determining who can provide it for the lowest cost? If the City can because of grants or subsidies available to it, then the City should, otherwise the City should, I think, be in favor of the private sector providing it, so long as it remains free to residents. If the City ends up providing it, I don't share the concerns of those who say the City should be focusing on other priorities, because the City should be able to provide it in ways that fully cover its costs.

Comments

[Marshall]

Free Wifi for Cities. Yes. More and more of our American lives is being pushed out of the realm of the public and into private (corporate) control. E.G. Gated communities, privatized voting, manditory arbitration, deregulation, etc. Places like Berkeley have little other options for promoting the (civically beneficial) inquisitive and creative energy of its perhaps poorer residents.