http://thirdpipe.com/2009/04/24/estonia-has-been-100-connected-for-a-year-next-100mbps/?hai
Estonia has 100mbps “free” internet, created mostly WITHOUT the government.
Estonia has been a pretty good real-world example of free market policies.
I don’t buy it.
Who’s paying?
Gotta read the article. Free internet is in areas where there is commerce. Businesses support wired connectivity.
It is 100% penetration, there was no mention that people get free service at home.
Users do not pay any access charges directly in most locations.
I did.
Barring a few schools and libraries that have been set up by the Estonian government, the 1100-plus Wi-Fi hotspots that span the country, covering every nook and corner, have been set up by local small businesses, such as hotels, cafes, groceries and gas stations, along with the four national telecom companies.
Though that government technologies link has more info.
So what is next? “I believe that broadband is not just a technology-enabler but it should be considered as an essential service just like electricity or health services,” says Hammer. This is why WiFi.ee is now actively working to involve the central as well as the local government to open limited speed broadband absolutely free to be supported by the government. Haamer and his small group of volunteers have already done that, he claims, on some small groups of society that involved both the local governments and local ISPs and soon that roll-out would achieve a much bigger scale.
Sorry, shouldn’t have presumed you didn’t.