FCC Plans National, Government-Run WiFi

Nothing says innovation like a tax-funded state monopoly

Editor's Note: The original story linked to here misrepresented the FCC's position, as is explained here.

What would you say to unlimited access to free super Wi-Fi networks across the nation  – and possibly never having to sign up for a data plan?

The Federal Communications Commission is considering making free Wi-Fi- networks available to the public. While it could be years before it's a reality, the proposal already has wireless service providers in a tizzy, according to The Washington Post.

The proposed Wi-Fi networks would be powerful enough to "penetrate thick concrete walls and travel over hills and around trees," the Post said.

The idea is from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "Freeing up unlicensed spectrum is a vibrantly free-market approach that offers low barriers to entry to innovators developing the technologies of the future and benefits consumers," Genachowski told the Post.

Comments

[RandomJackass]

It's a lot easier to track everyone's thoughts this way, and of course all those government jobs we'll create along the way. Never mind the loss of private sector jobs, gotta break some eggs if we're gonna make omelets! Also never mind that "free" will depend on whether you pay taxes or not.

[Bob Straub]

Oh, please, NO!

[ant1sthenes]

If I'm understanding Ars's take correctly, the FCC is talking about free as in speech, not free as in beer. Part of the spectrum that anyone can use, for better or for worse.

Not shocked that prog-tard reporters salivate when they hear the "free stuff" bell, though, without even stopping to consider how much power the Family/Christian Censors would get over speech with an actual public WiFi network.