First, We had declarations that WiFi is a human right. Now, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has upped the ante: broadband internet is apparently a "necessity."
The senator tweeted a link to a Vice article criticizing the FCC for deregulating the business-to-business broadband market. There's concern that this deregulation could make broadband too expensive for schools and libraries. Sanders tweet included a link and a declaration that "Broadband access is a necessity, not a luxury. Period."
Broadband access is a necessity, not a luxury. Period.https://t.co/QbDyBsNPz0
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 25, 2017
This is an odd claim, considering that broadband internet is still very much a luxury in many parts of the country. It's not available everywhere, yet people still manage to make do and survive. While I personally don't want to think of life sans broadband, it's kind of the epitome of first-world arrogance to suggest that it's a necessity. Food is a necessity. Clean water is a necessity. Shelter is a necessity. Fast internet is certainly nice, a person doesn't need it.