[Y_Y]

I'm sure you're being rhetorical, but to some extent the answer is yes.

At least where I live, light and heat are basic rights and those are often most easily and cheaply provided by electrical means. X-ray machines, considered as part of adequate medical care, are similarly guaranteed.

I don't know that the internet is considered a "basic" necessity anywhere, but again we're entitled to education and to engage with the society in which we live, and the internet is a common and effective means for doing those. That said, I'm not aware of state-provided internet outside of libraries and schools.

[forgetfreeman]

The UN has strongly implied that internet access should be considered a basic human right, but haven't quite crossed the line to actually stating it plainly.

[jacquesm]

Given that in plenty of locations in the developed world you can now no longer function as a normal member of society without internet access because everything has gone online it makes good sense that it should be. Paper is pretty much done for, invoices are all pdfs, banking and interaction with the government on all levels is all online.

[ars]

That's the purpose of my rhetoric.

If we go by your definition, there's nothing left. Every single one of those things requires parts and if you're going to require all of that to be nonprofit, there's no commercial activity left.

[Y_Y]

I don't necessarily agree. If I have a "right" to transport that doesn't mean the government has to give me a car, maybe they provide a train and if I want a car I have to buy it commercially.

Even of the things listed above, their being a basic right doesn't preclude someone buying them. I pay for electricity like almost everyone else.here, but it won't be taken away from me even if I do not pay (though it's not worth the hassle unless I have really cannot afford to pay).

[ars]

I don't agree either, but that is the content of the message I was replying to, and it's the basis of this part of the discussion.