The BBC surveyed people around the world, and found that 75% of UK adults believe Internet access is a fundamental right. They also found out that people in Russia, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt believe they have greater freedom to express themselves on the Internet than we do. Yes, we're worse than some third world countries in this regard.
All this puts Lord Mandleson's proposals in the incorrectly named Digital Economy Bill into perspective. He wants to disconnect people's access to the Internet, yet 75% of us think we have a right to it. Not really surprising, but he's rather out of step with public opinion.
As usual, the Pirate Party offer a more representative view.