The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #166985   Message #4022352
Posted By: David Carter (UK)
05-Dec-19 - 04:11 PM
Thread Name: BS: free WiFi - UK proposal cf NY?
Subject: RE: BS: free WiFi - UK proposal cf NY?
Radio is free and is paid out of general taxation. Personally I think TV should be free, and paid out of general taxation, or better still by taxing more heavily the commercial TV providers (this is also a cash cow). I think that the idea is that free internet would be paid for increased taxation on tech firms like facebook. I think this is a good idea, these firms are getting a free ride at present and offshoring their vast profits. Note that some towns and cities do provide free WIFI at present, funded from the business rate. It is seen as a way of attracting more custom to otherwise failing town centre businesses.

I don't think anybody is thinking of providing free WiFi in people's homes. You will still need your own router to connect to the cable infrastructure provided by the successor to Openreach.