FCC Floating a Free Wireless Internet Plan As Part of New Auction
This story was written by Rafat Ali.
Kevin Martin, the outgoing FCC chairman, has pushing for a controversial free wireless internet plan, as part of the agency's plan for the next slate of spectrum auction, reports WSJ. At its December meeting, FCC wants to put forth a plan to offer free, adult-material-free wireless Internet service to all Americans, despite objections from the wireless industry and some consumer advocacy groups. The plan involves that the winning spectrum bidder set aside a quarter of the airwaves for this free service, and would also charge for a faster wireless Internet connection. The free service could be slower and would be required to filter out pornography and other material not suitable for children, the story says. The consumer groups object to the filtering part, for which FCC has a runaround: adults could opt out of the filter and access all Internet sites.
FCC could also discuss some other digital-media related plans, including the evergreen-debate of cable unbundling. The agency has however shelved plans to consider some other controversial issues, including the broadcast flag request by Hollywood studios, which wants to offer copy-protected theatrical releases sooner on TV.
By Rafat Ali