When Federal Communications Commission member Michael O’Rielly argued last month that "Internet access is not a necessity or human right," fellow commissioner Mignon Clyburn took notice.

In a speech at a policy conference yesterday (see transcript), she listed numerous reasons why Internet access really is necessary in the modern age:

Not a necessity... during a time when the majority of Fortune 500 companies post new job listings strictly on websites? And where if you are fortunate enough to secure a position, your new boss expects you to have an e-mail address? Not a necessity... where, in a growing number of states, those who are income-eligible can only apply for benefits or aid online? Not a necessity... when most colleges and universities post and accept student admissions electronically? Not a necessity... as the evidence grows daily, on how technology is bridging long-standing gaps when it comes to the delivery, quality of service, and cost efficiencies for access to health care and wellness? And when you make that face-to-face appointment or conduct business in person, when was the last time you bought or referred to a folded map when you traveled to that destination?

This could be seen as just a debate over semantics. O'Rielly doesn't argue that Internet access is unimportant, rather he says the word "'necessity' should be reserved to those items that humans cannot live without, such as food, shelter, and water."

Clyburn pointed out that the FCC is required to make sure everyone in the US has affordable broadband access. "Not only is the Internet a necessity today, but Congress actually directed the FCC to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to advanced communications services," she said. "Congress also directed that such access should be affordable... we are mandated to close the digital divide."



O'Rielly is a Republican and Clyburn is a Democrat. In her speech, Clyburn supported a plan to let Lifeline phone subsidies be used for broadband instead. The FCC took a preliminary vote in favor of the plan, with Democrats supporting it and Republicans opposing.

"Let me warn you, any proposed transition will not come easy, for there are those who publicly proclaim that Internet access is “not a necessity,” Clyburn said.

"Those who cannot afford broadband can just go to the library, some often say," she continued. "Now, I am proud of the work the FCC has done through our E-rate program to help ensure that our schools and libraries have robust broadband and Wi-Fi. But we should not be satisfied if the library is the sole means by which an entire community can get broadband, particularly when there are no options for connectivity once the library closes for the day."