FCC chief contemplates free public Wi-Fi

December 1, 9:10 AMNY Tech Industry ExaminerJeff Smith

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has planned to push for a free national Wi-Fi plan. But, as expected, the plan is running into static from a host of constituencies.

The plan would mandate free wireless Internet be provided, sans pornographic content, by whoever buys a chunk of spectrum to be auctioned in the near future. Commercial providers, like T-Mobile, have voiced concern about the mandate, while others see the omission of porno a violation of free speech.

Martin has tried to make concessions by allowing whoever buys the spectrum and sets up the network to allow tiered access – where a paid service would provide faster access and adult content, and where a free service would be more basic (slower) and without explicit content.

The FCC is also pushing to auction a section of spectrum referred to as the D Block that would set up a national network for first responders and emergency communications. The FCC has slashed the cost of this spectrum from $1.3 billion to $750 million, but Reuters reports the spectrum still has few takers. "Finding money in the hallowed canyons of Wall Street or anywhere else to get this network built makes Indiana Jones' searchings look like child's play," said Michael Copps, a Democratic commissioner and rumored successor to head the commission when Obama takes office in January.

Last, but certainly not least, the FCC has delayed a ruling on exclusivity arrangements between commercial wireless carriers and handset makers. Why should you care? The ruling is going to decide whether deals like AT&T/iPhone or T-Mobile/Android is legal or in the consumer’s best interest. See the Word doc. by clicking here.

The FCC is looking to tackle multiple issues this December, but it’s clear where the Commission’s priorities lie. Look for more news concerning your right to free porno and the police’s right to coordinate a bust on you (if you’re underage) in the very near future.

Many observers expect some noticeable action on these items, especially the D Block auction. Chairman Martin has enjoyed a lengthy tenure at the FCC, but many see the D Block as something necessary to secure his legacy with the Commission. As the 9-11 Commission wrote in a letter earlier this month, "We believe the tenure of your term of office will be judged - and should be judged - by a simple test: Did the Federal Communications Commission take effective action to insure public safety access to the broadcast spectrum?"