Since the internet is a comunication device, it's ludicrous to compare it to getting a free car, house or job.

A better comparison (to me) would be to our phone lines. We have a universal and robust phone system that ensures public safety and the integrity of our nation (almost every part of the nation is at least reachable by phone, if by no other means). Is that an unnecessary entitlement?

Right now, it's mostly rural areas trying to keep up with their more connected cousins in the city. They're underserved by the current providers and it hampers their ability to attract high-tech and internet jobs to replace the agricultural and manufacturing jobs being lost.

Offering free wireless internet is their way of offering services that people want and need (would you live somewhere where dialup was your only option?). I think the trend will be for rural and ex-urban communities to offer more and more free internet since it'll allow them to compete for the jobs that usually go to the inner suburbs and cities.

Finally, the great thing about your suggestion to "move" is that it applies to you too. If the people in yor community eventually decide they want to pay for universal internet through taxes, you can just move to another community yourself.

<-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><->
<-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><->