Free-Speech Groups Oppose Free Internet Filtering

For the last two years, a California-based communication startup called M2Z has been advocating free national Wi-Fi broadband using the relatively narrow 2155-2175-MHz portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cost of providing free Wi-Fi, M2Z says, could be covered by advertising revenues. A premium, ad-free service would also be available for a subscription fee.

The proposal has been vigorously opposed by wireless carriers in general and by T-Mobile in particular. Having just spent $4 billion for Advanced Wireless Services, T-Mobile is concerned that M2Z's proposed network would interfere with AWS and render it worthless.

Last week, however, the Federal Communication Commission's Office of Engineering and Technology issued a report concluding that the likelihood of interference between the two systems is low.

FCC Chairman Enthusiastic

Kevin Martin, chairman of the FCC, is a strong supporter of free wireless broadband access. During a television interview in early August, Martin said the FCC -- and the nation -- has an obligation to reduce or eliminate the "digital divide" by making broadband Internet access freely available to everyone.

"There's a social obligation in making sure everybody can participate in the next generation of broadband services," Martin said, "because, increasingly, that's what people want."

Under the proposal laid out by the FCC in June, a successful bidder for the spectrum would be required to provide coverage and service to at least 50 percent of the nation's population within four years and at least 95 percent at the end of 10 years.

The auction winner would also be required to allow open access for Wi-Fi devices like PDAs and laptops to the free service, and open access for both devices and applications to a premium service.

Free-Speech Cost

One requirement of Martin's proposal has raised concerns from free-speech advocates. Among the technical requirements is that the Wi-Fi network have "an 'always-on' network-based filtering system."

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