Question

the connected city
1 today, well more than half of the world owns a smartphone. yet connectivity to the internet can still come with a hefty price tag. this can be problematic for both travelers and local residents who want to connect for free wherever they go. the internet not only allows for communication, it provides access to information, jobs, and education. furthermore, in todays high - tech world, people are accessing more data more frequently from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. city - provided online connectivity adds value to an area and provides what many believe is a basic need. not only does free wi - fi drive economic development by enhancing businesses and attracting tourism, it also provides online connectivity that many cannot afford.
what is the authors main claim or argument?
access to free wi - fi throughout a city helps to promote tourism.
only low - income residents of urban areas should be provided with free wi - fi.
free wi - fi in cities benefits residents as well as the local economy.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The passage mentions that free Wi - Fi attracts tourism, but this is just one part of the author's argument. The author also talks about how it helps residents who can't afford internet and provides access to information, jobs, etc. So this option is too narrow.
2. Analyze the second option: The passage does not suggest that only low - income residents should get free Wi - Fi. It states that both travelers and local residents (in general) have issues with internet costs and that city - provided connectivity is a basic need. So this option is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: The passage says that free Wi - Fi (city - provided online connectivity) provides a basic need for residents (helping those who can't afford internet to connect) and drives economic development (enhancing businesses and attracting tourism). This option covers both the benefits to residents and the local economy, which matches the main points of the passage.

Answer:

Free Wi - Fi in cities benefits residents as well as the local economy.