A survey conducted earlier this year by the Pew Research Center found that 7% of Americans lack access to reliable broadband. One reason for this may be how expensive internet access is in the U.S.
"People in the U.S. pay more for slower internet than people abroad," Open Technology Institute policy analyst Claire Park said. "For many consumers, the cost of getting online right now is simply too high and also too complicated."
The Open Technology Institute has been studying the price and speed of internet services advertised within the United States as well as abroad. Its 2020 Cost of Connectivity Report found that the average advertised monthly cost of internet in the U.S. is $68.38, which is higher than the average price of internet access for all of North America, Europe and Asia.
Outdated infrastructure in the U.S. may also be impeding internet access to millions of Americans, and lawmakers have been debating how to increase internet availability and performance.
(Score: 2) by mcgrew on Monday October 11 2021, @03:02PM (1 child)
Oz is Australia. Here in Springfield, IL I'm paying AT&T $60/month for 100 mbps. Could have gigabit for an extra ten bucks, but since I'm no longer a gamer I just don't need it.
As to the minimum wage, that is the root of most of the US's problems. Why is it legal to pay so little that someone working full time is eligible for LINK (formerly Food Stamps), housing assistance, and child care? Food, clothing, shelter, child care should be the employer's responsibility, not the government's. Those benefits benefit employers, not employees.
mcgrewbooks.com mcgrew.info nooze.org
(Score: 2) by krishnoid on Tuesday October 12 2021, @12:03AM
I wonder what the cost parity would be in all the other Springfields (or similarly) [usgs.gov] in the United States.