Internet as a Public Utility in the US?

An anonymous reader writes: Does this Covid-19 crisis and shelter-at-home directives prove the need for internet as a Public Utility? If you think so, what do you think can/should be done to accomplish this? And if you aren't convinced yet, why not?

Internet is as necessary as other public utilities

[Futurepower(R)]

Internet is as necessary as other public utilities, such as water and electricity.

"Dark fiber" is a necessary public utility.

[Futurepower(R)]

I didn't communicate that clearly.

My opinion: Internet access, known as "dark fiber" is a necessary public utility. Each town and city can rent their dark fiber to as many Internet-providing companies as are interested.