Ubiquitous broadband is a lofty goal, the idea of the “digital divide” is indeed an important one to consider, and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo from California’s got a novel idea on how to deliver it: wirelessly and free.
Disappointed that none of the winners of the recent 700MHz auction were going to offer a similar for-profit solution, Eshoo feels it’s time for the government to step in.
She’s introduced legislation, the Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act, that would call for the FCC to hold another auction for another spectrum, and winners would have to make wireless, no-cost broadband access on the frequency, and include an open architecture for device manufacturers and make sure it’s smut-free. A tall order.
There’s coincidentally a company in California, M2Z, that has a plan already for just such an offering. We’re sure they’re not related at all.
If this bill passes, it means a nationwide network of wireless braodband, but the bill faces an uphill batter against the telecom and cable lobbies. We’re for it: more Internet access is good for everyone.