FCC Shelves Free Internet Plan - Page 2

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A question of implementation

Critics of the plan do not suggest that more broadband is a second-tier priority, but rather quibble with the way Martin proposed to tackle the problem in the AWS-3 item.

Instead of auctioning the spectrum off with conditions attached that could drive some bidders (including T-Mobile) away, why not sell it at an open auction that would not dictate the winning bidder's business model, they have asked.

M2Z cites market research that values the spectrum in question at about $50 million. T-Mobile counters with a study that pegged it at $3 billion, if the free-service and content-filtering restrictions weren't attached.

Opponents of the plan also question whether M2Z could actually raise the capital needed to build out the network it is promising in 10 years.

It is unclear if the FCC will try to hold a meeting in January, but in light of the pushback against the outgoing chairman's ambitious agenda for the December meeting, it seems likely that the AWS-3 plan will fall to Martin's successor.