"Why do we convince our selves that these types of drastic measures are worth the capital we expend to make them happen."

My cynical guess? Wealthy people with liberal guilt. As for the companies, more eyeballs == more money.

I agree with you. It's hard to force this. If the underlying infrastructure is lacking (clean water, food, medicine, clothing, safety) then the internet isn't going to take hold.

If the core infra is already in place, they're likely already working on bringing the net in.