FCC turns down M2Z's free WiFi proposal

Not that it comes as much of a surprise, but the FCC today rejected upstart M2Z's request for a 20MHz slice of the 2155MHz to 2175MHz spectrum, which it had hoped to use for a free, nearly nationwide WiFi service. To that end, M2Z was trying to convince the FCC to bypass its usual proceedings and hand over the spectrum to it for free. In exchange, as Ars Technica reports, M2Z promised to pay five percent of its gross revenues to the US Treasury each year and, as an added touch, it also promised to filter any "objectionable content" crossing those free airwaves. Apparently keen on that idea, a number of other companies tried to get in on the action as well, but were likewise turned down by the FCC. For its part, the FCC now seems intent on proceeding as usual with the spectrum, with Chairman Kevin Martin saying he'll consider both licensed and unlicensed uses for the band, adding that he promises to "adopt flexible rules that will encourage the innovative use of this unique piece of spectrum."

[Via AHN]

[JDizzle @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:32PM]

Silly FCC, always have to make some sort of an attempt to stick to the rules. Can't they see that the US is lagging far behind almost all of the other developed countries. Sure, a free nation-wide WiFi network would probably be quite slow, but would still allow a good number of people a connection whenever they need it.

[derek @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:42PM]

A certain song from Family Guy comes to mind...

[Zap @ Sep 3rd 2007 2:13PM]

I'd take it....it has to be faster then EDGE for my phone....right?!?

[3rdsun @ Sep 3rd 2007 3:53PM]

Silly capitalist Americans. Always thinking about making money. Some things should be free for the masses. I bet Cuba has free WiFi.

[JDizzle @ Sep 3rd 2007 9:36PM]

To me, it doesn't seem like it's really the money that's the problem. The FCC doesn't stretch the "rules", it almost seems like they don't see that this will help the country much more than anything they've ever done. Another reason I don't think it's about the money is the fact that the treasury would get 5% of the yearly revenue. That could add up to be a whole lot of money year after year, but still the FCC likes the reject button.

[mc3408 @ Sep 3rd 2007 4:09PM]

I bet the FCC wouldn't trust their "filtering methods."

[soulslapper @ Sep 3rd 2007 4:46PM]

The FCC enjoys rejecting requests. I don't like how 5 people appointed by Pres. Bush control the evolution of communication standards...

[tolle.7 @ Sep 3rd 2007 6:21PM]

This is swet

[Jeebus @ Sep 4th 2007 12:17PM]

You mean "sweat"?

[steve.owns @ Sep 3rd 2007 9:31PM]

i agree

[Penguin Warlord @ Sep 3rd 2007 10:13PM]

M2Z come to Canada we haven't decided what to do with that spectrum yet.