Internet Usage Charges
I have just been reading an article which is a bit worrying concerning internet usage charges in the USA. Apparently, it was first proposed in the late 1990's when the internet was really in its infancy, but now as we all know, there are millions of users worldwide.
The original proposal was, of course, defeated and usage continues free at the moment, but the bill is now being debated again and if it's successful, then it could be to everyone's disadvantage. Not only would individuals be faced with charges, but businesses as well which would mean consumers paying over and over again as the additional charges to businesses would have to be passed on to the consumer. Governments over the pond and here in the UK just want to 'tax' us as much as they can it seems.
There is also the knock on effect with those outlets that provide free wifi and there are thousands of those with hotels, restaurants, coffee shops etc. Often smaller privately owned outlets will provide free wifi in the hopes that they will attract more customers and there is little doubt that it does work. If a charge is introduced I would imagine that the smaller businesses would have to stop giving free wifi whilst larger stores may be able to absorb the costs or pass on the charge through higher retail prices.
I have written a page about this in more detail on my site if anyone would care to take a look.
The next step is to have the bill passed in the Senate, so fingers crossed that it fails. Surely they must understand what a blow charges would be to the individual as well as businesses. If it is passed, then no doubt it will make the news here and give our own government something to think about, we are already one of the highest taxed in the world, what's one more tax?
As this is my first attempt at a blog, I would really appreciate any feedback, help, advice etc. which I would value greatly. Thanks.
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excellent! thank you for bringing this up/ it scares the heck out of me as we are already paying basic line fees and charges through our Internet service providers that they pass on to us. I wouldnt be suprised if they tried to make it per memory usage or download/upload.
Thanks Erik - I wasn't sure what exactly the impact would be. In the UK I pay a monthly fee for a modem that delivers the internet, but no usage or line rentals on top. Other people I know have a phone line connection so pay quite high phone bills. It's a minefield really with so many options - dongles and such as well, though don't know much about them.
yeah here in US i have internet through phone company for like $45/month and i just bought the router box outright so i didnt have to rent from them. ($45=applicable taxes and fees so more like $50)