No longer is the internet only for entertainment, it is a necessity. It is a required part of our society, yet, many of our citizens don't have access to it due to cost and availability.
If we want citizens that are productive, educated, and involved in improving the world we must provide them access to the wealth of knowledge and communication that the internet provides (and this should not just be dial-up speeds...this is 2012).
If internet access is provided by the taxpayers cost can be kept down per individual, and we can provide the necessity that so many Americans lack.