In its early days the internet was free (to a certain extent). I mean you still had to pay the connection charges, but the content, services and communication platforms that utilised it were free.
I’d love to go back to a time like that where we are not constantly bombarded with ads, sponsored links that direct you to god knows where. But free access is never going to be possible.
If anything, I would like it to be more accessible and safe. Especially as these days so much seems to be dependent upon it - banking, shopping, government services, etc. I’d love it if there was something simple that allowed vulnerable/non-tech fluent people use it. I work in IT field and have relatives that fall into that category. So looked into it - every possible solution adds either complexity or cost.
I love the new interconnected world (though preferred it when it was niche). But now that it is mainstream, it needs to be usable by the masses.
with Christmas approaching, I’ve seen complaints ranging from no longer being able to browse a shopping catalogue through to not being able to check a utility bill from elderly friends. All of them have no connectivity issues - they have and can afford the infrastructure. So the lack of free internet is not the problem. It is the usability and unfamiliarity of this “new world” being the norm that is the problem.
I bet I’m not the only person who spends a large portion of my life frustratingly helping partners/parents/grandparents or disabled relatives achieve the most basic of tasks. Can’t even get a doctor’s appointment or repeat prescription here without an app. Smartphones are not currently compatible with elderly/stroke survivors for example.