[sugarkjube]

> But given how essential the internet is to everything we do on a daily basis, that makes a lot of sense.

Well, water is certainly more essential, yet it isn't free.

Food isn't free. Shelter isn't free.

Besides, the services you'd use over this free connection aren't (necessarily) free.

Its not unreasonable to suspect some other agenda, like easier propaganda, subsidising of social media, ...

[jiggunjer]

Actually food water and shelter are free to those who can't afford it in many developed countries.

[Leomuck]

Oi! Fair. I didn't want to imply that access to water, shelter and food was less important. Not at all! It's crazy that we have more than enough for everybody and still people die from hunger, thirst, conditions. I was only trying to say that any effort in the right direction is appreciated. You are correct in pointing out other motives though. That's what I asked myself as well.

[mattjoyce]

Maybe the reduction in gov paper forms printing and processing, offset the mobile costs.

[usr1106]

I often hear the argument of savings in printing and postage.

Having seen all the over budget, years delayed or completely failed IT projects in the public sector, I wonder whether there are any savings at all in the end.

(Perspective from a couple of EU countries at different degrees of digitalization)