There are a few new benefits for low income as well, all subsidized by the taxpayers and customers of these businesses:
Low-cost urban internet access (Comcast deal to buy NBC, plus possible allocation of USF fees). You have NO idea how much this pi$$es off we middle-mile to rural-dwellers who pay through the nose for crappy internet via satellite.
Free cell phone (AT&T, Sprint, TMobile/Virgin).
I do have an idea how much. There is no Wal Mart in my county, population 8600. I have Direct TV and Hughs Net at the house.
We’re so far out in the woods they pipe in daylight...