[bilbo0s]

Um.

Yeah.

The internet is important. But if you go some places in this world you learn in a very swift fashion that it is not as important as housing, food, and water.

There's parts of the world that are not a fairy tale. Places where people have far more basic worries.

That said, if there are parts of Africa where people want the luxury of internet, they should, of course, be allowed access. The mere fact that they want it is an indication that they are in a relatively well off area.

[soulofmischief]

Just because some people are deprived of it doesn't mean it shouldn't be a right. And the fact that some of these communities don't even have time to consider it a priority when they're also deprived of other basic rights doesn't mean that it isn't also a basic right. It's not a fairy tale to expect basic human rights. The entire world could be connected if that's what powerful people wanted.

Internet should not be a luxury in any community. That is against the ethos of the web, which should be free, open and accessible. Your comment is needlessly patronizing and dismissive without actually presenting any evidence that the internet shouldn't be considered essential for any modern community.

[ty6853]

Counterpoint: in the third world some 3rd rate shack with a shitty well or water source may often come 'free' as it stays in the family. I have seen people in the third world blow most their paycheck on phone and internet related charges since food/water/shelter may cost a villager in a farm basically nothing and the internet is entertainment and communication for a whole month.

[bilbo0s]

If they had access to internet, you weren't in the parts of Africa I'm talking about. There is a difference between undeveloped, developing and developed.

You go to an undeveloped place, you wouldn't be worried about phones or internet access. You just accept that you're going to be off the grid for the duration of your stay in that village. Alternatively, you bring your communications equipment with you so that you can stay in touch with your, "base", for lack of a better term. But I can tell you right now, that equipment better not be dependent on internet access.

[ty6853]

Well yes in places with no internet access people don't buy internet, but it's a bit tautological. People who survive by subsistence but come upon hard money somehow, in some place with towers, I have personally seen them blow a whole month pay on phone credits and it wasn't uncommon.

[nitwit005]

Increasingly, you need the internet working to access your money or pay for things. I've found you unfortunately need to pay for food.

[sexy_seedbox]

So the problem is with the monetary system then.