What we need to do is treat internet access as a public utility rather than a private commodity. That means removing control of the essential infrastructure from private corporations, establishing strong public oversight, and heavily regulating how internet services are delivered to consumers.

The infrastructure already exists to provide virtually every American with high-speed internet access without compromising network performance. The argument that universal, affordable, high-speed internet is somehow technologically or economically unfeasible is largely a matter of priorities and policy.

Look at much of Europe, where consumers have access to significantly more internet service providers competing for the same customer base. In the United States, depending on where you live, you might have two or three realistic options, often with little meaningful competition between them. Three major providers dominate much of the market, and somehow they have managed to make an essential service extraordinarily expensive while offering consumers remarkably little choice.

I don’t believe internet access should be something corporations get to hold hostage for profit. It is essential infrastructure in the modern world, and it should be treated accordingly.