cross-posted from: https://vlemmy.net/post/152995
Alternative published title: AT&T/Verizon lobby group pushes for payments from Big Tech
I maintain this is an absurd idea. Everyone pays for their internet access. Presumably smart business people would build into that price some funding for upgrades over time.
So ISPs are charging an arm and a leg, but they’re saying others should pay? I’d love to be in a business where someone else pays for my business expenses and I keep the revenue.
I’m not from the states so I don’t have no skin in the game, but correct me if I’m wrong, weren’t ISPs responsible for upgrading the country’s network, given a large amount of money, and just sat on their asses or something? I remember something to that effect.
You’re completely correct, and they have been continually given money every year since the 90’s.
Yes, they got almost half a TRILLION dollars from tax payers in various forms to roll out nationwide fiber, but did not roll out nationwide fiber. Never mind the absolutely ludicrous prices they charge along with crazy bullshit like data caps, throttling, and lying about advertised speeds.
