FCC to vote on free wireless broadband across U.S.

[Mark]

Free broadband for America has inched closer to reality: The plan, after two years of debate, is finally on the calendar for a full vote by the Federal Communications Commission.
Assuming the plan is approved at the FCC's Dec. 18 meeting — one of the agency's last before President-elect Obama takes office — free broadband could become reality within a year.

First proposed in 2006, the plan calls for a chunk of airwaves called AWS-3 — now idle — to be used for wireless broadband across the USA. Under terms being contemplated by the FCC, the winner of the AWS-3 auction would have to reserve 25% of network capacity, at least, for free broadband.

The winner would be allowed to charge for other services, including premium broadband that would offer faster speeds.

Assuming there are no last-minute snags, the AWS-3 auction will take place early next year.


http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2008-12-01-free-broadband_N.htm

Just seen this on another forum. It would be sweet

 

[HuntingMoon]

sounds like a monopoly waiting to happen

 

[FreshAvails.com]

Will NEVER happen. Please don't hold your breath. Cable Companies, Telco's, Wireless Companies, No Way, No How. Maybe for police, health and schools if possible.

EDIT: Just read more closely. Looks like the "Free" would be for only a handful of folks.
Martin says free broadband can help bridge the gap. "This initiative brings with it the promise of a free basic broadband service to hundreds of thousands of Americans who currently have limited or no access to the high-speed Internet," Martin said in a statement prepared for USA TODAY.

 

[Mark]

All news is bad news for you folks huh ?

There are Still plenty of rural areas out there without access

 

[-REECE-]

Wow, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing Mark and I look forward to reading more about this

 

[FreshAvails.com]

All news is bad news for you folks huh ?

There are Still plenty of rural areas out there without access

Sorry. I guess my cynic is showing. would love to be of the the lucky ones!