"I live on $710.00 a month, what exactly am I supposed to cut?"

[ljm2002]

144. "If I lived within easy walking distance"...

..."to one of our library branches or a free wi-fi place I would probably ditch the internet at home without a second thought."

Sure you would. I'm sure it would be no trouble at all. If it was raining or snowing that day, well you'd just tough it out and head right out to lounge around outside of one of those free wifi places. You'd get used to sitting in your car and freezing, or sitting on a bench while people look at you funny... And you could just bring your morning coffee and breakfast along with you. Then when you had to take a leak, you'd just lug your laptop into the restroom with you while people look at you funny again... and don't forget to bring it into the stall with you, otherwise someone is bound to snatch it away and then where will you be?

What we really should have is public wifi everywhere. It is totally within the realm of possibility. People could still pay for high speed access, but at least everyone would have basic access.

I have to say, Internet is so essential for me that it angers me that anyone would suggest ditching having it in their own home for some hit-or-miss access they can get at the library (others have noted how limited that access can be) or at other establishments. Coffee shops understandably want you to buy something there to use their wife, and most businesses will notice if you are using their access every day. Using wifi spots is simply not a longterm solution. Having Internet at home is an absolute lifeline.