Outgoing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is pushing for action in December on a plan to offer free, pornography-free wireless Internet service to all Americans, despite objections from the wireless industry and some consumer groups.

The proposal to allow a no-smut, free wireless Internet service is part of a proposal to auction off a chunk of airwaves. The winning bidder would be required to set aside a quarter of the airwaves for a free Internet service. The winner could establish a paid service that would have a fast wireless Internet connection. The free service could be slower and would be required to filter out pornography and other material not suitable for children.

Read full story: Free Web Plan Being Pushed by FCC Head (WSJ, 12/1/2008)

Update: FCC's Free-Internet Plan Could Morph Into Free Airwaves (WSJ, 12/3/2008)

Related topics: Access Providers, Broadband, Policy & Regulation, Telecom, Wireless