5 reasons why internet connectivity should be free for all
The internet is an incredible invention; open source, decentralised, community-led and a source of
knowledge, information, and power, it is used by 51% of the world’s population. But at the moment,
it comes at a cost. In order to access the World Wide Web, you need not only a connection, but a
device on which to connect, meaning that almost half of the world is not able to get connected.
While in Malta steps are being taken to provide free WiFi in public places all over the island, should
the internet be free globally? We believe so… and these are 5 reasons why.
1. Knowledge
The internet provides infinite levels of knowledge to anyone who seeks it. No longer constrained to the
information provided by the books that we have access to, we can now find the answer to anything in
under one second by using the internet. Restricting the knowledge of the populace based on their access to
books, libraries, or financial means is unfair; those without the means will struggle to educate themselves.
By making the internet free of charge, we are levelling the playing field and giving everyone the
opportunity to access what ever knowledge they want, whenever they want it.
2. Connectivity
One of the greatest powers of the internet is that of connectivity. This allows people from all
over the world to engage in vibrant online communities, to connect with others from every
corner of the world and to communicate with individuals that they would not otherwise have
chance to speak with. Communication with other citizens of the world should not be reliant on
being able to afford an internet connection, and everyone should have the ability to make
friends, build networks, and even work with others regardless of financial status or geographical
boundaries.
3. Freedom
The internet brings freedom to its users in many ways; it gives people the freedom to learn what
they want, to speak with whom they choose, to air their opinions, and even to work with people
they have never, and will never meet. This level of freedom is available to anyone who can
access the internet, so ensuring that everyone can access the internet without charge means
that the freedom it brings is accessible to all.
4. Choice
The internet gives users access to a global marketplace of unparalleled scope. Individuals can
shop around for the best product prices, the best salaries, the best services, and even the best
employees. Free internet gives people the power to choose what they spend their money on, as
well as ensuring they get the best deal or the best value that they possibly can. Free internet
does not withhold these benefits from people based on whether they can afford a connection;
instead it offers a true free market to every person in every country in the world.
5. People Power
The internet is well-known as a platform where people can discuss issues, politics, society,
economy, and other matters, as well as giving a platform for change-makers to flourish. If the
internet is free, everyone in the world has an equal opportunity to have their voice heard, to
educate themselves each other and to come together to fight for change, where change is
needed. Free internet will also facilitate the sharing and development of ideas that range from
technology to health, art to finance, and politics to sociology- all of these things are core parts of
a functioning society and the internet is the perfect platform to allow people from all walks of life
to meet and discuss in a virtual environment.
Over the past three decades the global use of the Internet has risen exponentially, with billions
connected and sharing images, posts, mails and stories. Like the invention of printing and
eventually, the advent of the industrial revolution, the invention of the internet has disrupted
human evolution and life will never be the same again. This technology has brought people
closer and propelled an artistic, cultural and political revolution that is ongoing.
Ultimately, free access to the internet ensures a fairer society, one where all enjoy unhindered
access to knowledge and communications. No wonder the United Nations thinks internet access
is a human right. President Obama went a step further and said that “the Internet is not a luxury,
it is a necessity”. One can only hope that governments and business agree on how to make this
fantastic and almost atomistic dream a reality.