The High Cost Of 'Free' Broadband

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission should slow down and let the next Administration review the a) M2Z and b) D-Block public/700 MHz spectrum auction proposals. Although the M2Z promises free broadband, the service will be slow and ad supported. In the second version of the D-Block auction rules, public safety agencies will not only give up rights to their spectrum, but will pay $48.50 a month for service. Instead, the FCC should "listen to the market," preserve the real value of the spectrum, and prioritize public safety. Kneuer concludes, "Responsible policymaking dictates that these proposals be vetted fully rather than be subject to the artificial time line of transition at the FCC. A new commission should have the ability to shape its own policy, and the current FCC should send a message that thoughtful deliberation is more important than a rush to regulate."

[John Kneuer was the assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information from February 2006 to November 2007.]