You may have already read this great piece from First Monday (2001) by Andrew Odlyzko.

In the following sections I develop the argument that connectivity is more important than content. The evidence is based on current and historical spending figures. I also show that the current preoccupation with content by decision makers is not new, as similar attitudes have been common in the past. I then make projections for the future role of content and connectivity, and discuss implications for the architecture of the Internet, including wireless technologies.

Dan Bricklin pointed it to me -- as you'll see in his essay, "What Will People Pay For?" Thanks, Dan!