Outgoing FCC Chairman Pushing for Porn-Free Wireless Web

WASHINGTON – Outgoing FCC chairman Kevin Martin is pushing a plan that would give all Americans free wireless Internet access, but at a cost.

Martin’s plan, which will be considered at the FCC’s December meeting, includes a stipulation that the free wireless also be porn-free.

The proposal is part of a larger directive to allow for unlicensed use of the white-space TV spectrum, part of the television spectrum being freed up by the conversion to digital broadcasting. The FCC approved use of the white space spectrum on Nov. 4 and they will soon go up for auction.

Under Martin’s current proposal, the winner would be required to use one-fourth of the spectrum for the free, no-porn wireless network.

Although there has already been consumer objection to the idea of a filtered Internet, the FCC is proposing that adults could choose to opt out of the filter, which would allow them access to all of the web’s content.
As part of the plan, the winning bidder could also charge a fee for faster, unfiltered wireless access.