I don't consider wireless to be "basic functionality", neither is 3D nor
graphics acceleration nor internal PCI modems.
If a PCI modem - or indeed a wireless modem - is all you have, then it's pretty basic.
In these situations the user has a choice between using Linux with the non-free driver where available, using Linux without networking or using Windows. Since lack of proper support for USB modems kept me from Linux for two or three years, I don't see why any normal user would tolerate it - they'd likely choose either the first or last option. In the last option they're using _all_ proprietary software by choice; in the first they're using a whole ton of free software (good!) and a single proprietary kernel module which provides access to their networking. This should come with the system as it may be vital - what shouldn't happen is that NVidia drivers are bundled as they are not necessary: 3D is of course not basic functionality and the free drivers should be used wherever possible. My point is that where not possible, there is an effective choice between proprietary drivers and a doorstop for many people.
Ben, what is more political than the proliferation of proprietary
software into countries that cannot afford basic healthcare or
sanitation? Why should poor countries not have a free operating system?
Why do you support non-free distributors who want to prevent those who
cannot use proprietary software from having access to that technology?
What has this to do with an e.g. American using a proprietary wireless driver for the hardware he owns? $IMPOVERISHED_AFRICAN_COUNTRY does not have any preexisting hardware and as such is free to choose things with free drivers. I'd like the FSF to stop trying to force freedom upon me by telling Mr. Shuttleworth to withhold my freedom to use hardware I own.
