system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[ELI5]: Why do we have to pay companies for data? Isn't there an unlimited amount of "data" out there to use? Can it run out?

Edit: Thanks for the answers everyone. Seems its mostly just greed that answers the question. But there are also good points towards it. :) Stay safe and healthy.
gpt
Maintenance on the infrastructure used to deliver data costs something. Constructing new wires and cell towers costs something. 

It's not entirely unlike paying your water bill. We're reusing the actual water and it won't run out in any way that matters, but the delivery system doesn't just happen.