An upstart outfit named M2Z networks wants to offer wholesale wireless broadband access to 95% of the population using a 20MHz chunk of unused spectrum in the 2GHz band. The company wants Uncle Sam to give them free access to spectrum in exchange for 5% of the company’s profits. They claim they’ll deliver free 384kbps service and $20-$30 3Mbps service to 95% of the nation within ten years.

While the plan may sound nice, the company recently complained that the FCC has been stalling on their request out of loyalty to incumbent operators, who wouldn’t much care for such a competitor. It now looks like M2Z is going to get an answer, and RCR News (without citing a source) says it’s expected to be no:

“The Federal Communications Commission appears poised later today to reject M2Z Networks Inc. s plan to offer free nationwide broadband service on the 2155-2175 MHz band, a move likely to prompt a court challenge and refocus the campaign to integrate open access-wholesale requirements in the wireless space.”

This week saw The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Fire Chiefs all add their support to the company’s plan. The Family Research Council also this week threw their weight behind the plan.
14 comment(s)