[germainebull]

I'm wondering: Can we realistically have a worldwide free internet?

Who will pay for the related server costs?
What are the merits and demerits of such free internet?

[CyberFreak]

Realistically we could have free internet at some point in the future however there will have to be some way for the costs to be covered. It may be through ads every x hours or by allowing a company to track what you search or view to target ads on websites more specifically to you with no way to opt out. I can't see it ever being free without some sort of strings attached.

[Sam]

In New Zealand, and I'd imagine in other countries as well, there have been free ISPs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_ ... #Free_ISPs. The NZ system was a bit different, based around a loophole.

The only company that could realistically introduce free internet is Google (for Android / Chrome OS devices). They would probably earn enough off search advertising to cover the cost. But why would they? It's an unnecessary expense.

[germainebull]

Realistically we could have free internet at some point in the future however there will have to be some way for the costs to be covered. It may be through ads every x hours or by allowing a company to track what you search or view to target ads on websites more specifically to you with no way to opt out. I can't see it ever being free without some sort of strings attached.

Your post introduces valid points.

However, given the huge power of vested interests, I doubt if any entity with real persuasive power could suggest that a free internet be introduced.

[cessy_08]

I think it is possible only if the government pays for it. Surely, somebody has to pay for the costs (maintenance, hardware etc) for it. I know some developed countries offer free Wi-Fi in certain public places (trains, bus stop etc) so it is a good start towards getting free Internet.