@Old_Dave
you know, i hadn't really thought much about it, but on the face of it? that might not be such a bad idea, except for the ridiculous pricing structures and utility companies *always* allowed to raise prices beyond what regulations set because fines are cheaper than the profit made.

@naikarrah

I'm paying $90/month for slow-ass limited data cellular modem access. Everything else looks better to me!

@Old_Dave
oh wow! that's *insane!*
i didn't even realise until you said that--cell/cable-VOIP phones are NOT regulated as a utility the way that landlines were!

@naikarrah

I live nowhere-adjacent.
Can't even get cable TV, but I'm midway between Ithaca (cornell fer chissakes) and cortland.

@Old_Dave
ouch! absolutely -zero- options for you then...
it's not supposed to be that way! Australia's been upgrading all their internet across the country so that *everyone* can get access. ofc, it's behind schedule, but where it's already implemented is working WELL so far!