WASHINGTON, D.C. - Prominent Capitol Hill Democrats Edward Markey (D-MA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) drafted a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chair Kevin Martin supporting his national porn-free broadband service proposal.
The Dems' statement challenges charges by wireless companies that the endeavor would interfere with wireless services in neighboring spectrum areas.
Markey and Eshoo wrote Friday that they "agree that promoting universal broadband is an urgent national priority." However, they said, "We are concerned that incumbent wireless carriers are seeking unnecessary and unprecedented testing delays to prevent new innovative competitors from entering the market."
The letter marks the first significant support of Martin's fraught proposal from Capitol Hill.
The Federal Communications Commission wants to auction off the 2155-2180 MHz spectrum region to a bidder who promises to offer a nationwide broadband service unfettered from access fees and pornography. Additionally, this area of the spectrum is referred to as the Advanced Wireless Services 3 (AWS-3) region.
Martin's plan drew criticism from wireless companies, Congressional Republicans, public interest groups and trade associations, who call the proposal a "threat to freedom of speech on the Internet."
