Will the Internet Ever Be Free for Everyone?

Depending on location and speed, you can end up paying a lot for Internet access. Many cities, nationally and globally, are now offering free public Wi-Fi. Hotspots may include restaurants, cafés, businesses, stores, airports, and even trains. However, while free public Wi-Fi seems like a great option, it can put your devices’ security at risk to hacking and malware. Public Wi-Fi is not a safe option for online banking, shopping, or checking your email. For now, it’s worth it to use private, secure Wi-Fi for all of your online needs. Nonetheless, what might the future of the Internet look like?

The Expansion of Free Wi-Fi

In addition to the expansion of free public Wi-Fi worldwide, in the US many broadband companies are hoping to make the Internet accessible to every person, particularly those who cannot afford Internet access. The idea is that the Internet shouldn’t be a luxury; it is, instead, an increasingly necessary utility. Recently, Sprint announced a plan to give out free devices and data plans to low-income students. Further, Facebook wants to launch a service called Free Basics that gives — you guessed it — free, basic Internet service (similar to basic cable service) to everyone. In case you were wondering, of course that basic service includes access to Facebook.

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How the World Can Benefit from Free Internet

Despite some concerns related to free Internet access, there are many positive aspects about it. Free Internet access doesn’t necessarily mean that the network will be less secure. In the near future, web access might more closely resemble Facebook’s Free Basics, where a certain level of Internet access is free for all. In an increasingly technological world, more businesses, services, and etc. have moved online. Without Internet access, it can be harder for people to search for and apply for jobs, access services from their bank, or complete work and school assignments. If the Internet is now considered to be a basic human right, shouldn’t it be free for all?

Could Free Access to the Internet Be Censored?

If current trends are any indication, the Internet could be free in the future, but further censored. In China, Russia, and Egypt, for example, the Internet is heavily censored. Popular social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are banned in China. Other countries like India and Turkey also experience censorship, but to a lesser extent. Internet censorship hurts global businesses that rely on online marketing on social media sites, and further, hurts citizens by prohibiting certain freedoms. Could free access to Internet come at a price — not monetary — but instead at the expense of freedom? Only time will tell.