The idea of auctioning off a 25 megahertz wireless spectrum brought mixed reponses, as there were a couple of stipulations added by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
Martin said he'd consider offering the wireless spectrum for auction if there was free broadband offered by the winner of the auction, as well as the blockage of pornography. The rest of the airwaves could be used commercially.
"We're hoping there will be increased interest in the proposal; and because this will provide wireless broadband services to more Americans, it is certainly something we want to see," said FCC spokesman Rob Kenny.
The major trade group of the wireless industry, CTIA, said that they felt the restrictions were too rigid.
Other requirements would be that the winne would have to agree to build out the system to serve a minimum of half the U.S. population within a four year period, and then to 95 percent of the U.S. population within 10 years.
The 25 MHz spectrum isn't hasn't drawn a lot of interest in general from wireless carriers, and isn't in much demand, which makes this somewhat difficult to sell, when you include the added restrictions.
One new company called M2Z, had solicited to get the spectrum for nothing up-front, then offering a free broadband service based on an advertising model. It was rejected by the FCC.
At the next meeting of the FCC on June 12, the issue will be taken up again.
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