Chairman Martin: Let's Be Realistic About The Potential Of Free Wireless Broadband

[Commentary] How good is Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin's plan to auction off spectrum that would have to be used to provide free broadband access?

1) Free and ad-supported broadband has not yet proven to be a self-sustaining model.

2) Although it would provide access, potential users still need the right equipment (computer, modem, network card) and expertise to actually use the service.

3) In a world where 1 Gbps broadband may be the norm, how attractive will "broadband" at 768Kbps be in a decade?

4) The goal must be 100% coverage -- not 90-95% of the country.

5) The proposed ban on pornography over the network a) leads to the same problems the FCC always has with indecency enforcement and b) takes away a "killer app" that draws many people to use the Internet in the first place.