slides of this topic that

Do you think that access to the internet should be considered as essential as access to

electricity and water services? During the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has

caused many to state that healthcare and housing are rights not privileges. Do you think

that everyone should have the right to access the internet? Why or why not?

• We can imagine a wide spectrum in who delivers the internet and how it is paid for:

o Side A: single government-run system that everyone has equal access to and is

funded through taxpayer dollars with no profit motive, similar to single-payer

healthcare systems such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the United

Kingdom.

o Side B: private for-profit corporations with little to no regulation on who

receives services, what is charged, and how services are delivered. Supporters of

this type of service state that market-based forces and competition will

maximize efficiency and lower costs.

o Somewhere in the middle: private for-profit corporations deliver internet

services with significant taxpayer subsidies and increased regulations on fees and

services.

• Where do your personal beliefs fall on this spectrum and why? Note: you will be graded

only on the strength of your arguments and supporting evidence, not on the specific

position that you take or your political stance.

• Imagine that you are a policymaker with a great deal of authority over the internet and

the telecommunications industry in general. What solutions would you propose to

address the Digital Divide?

• Research your chosen topic for information that supports your position and prepare a

sufficient number of slides for the presentation. Cite at least three quality references in

your slides. Presentations should be 6-8 minutes in length.