FCC Considers Free National Public WiFi
Internet and phone bills may be a thing of the past if this proposal succeeds.
Believe it or not, free internet may be in your future. A report from the Chicago Tribune says the FCC is looking into the possibility of free public WiFi across much of the country.
While the proposal has thoroughly ruffled the $178 billion wireless industry, other big players such as Microsoft and Google support the idea, according to the report. They argue subsidization of this resource will lead to a new-age renaissance of development and innovation. Among the hidden benefits are big potential cost savings for local schools and businesses.
In addition to free web surfing, public WiFi could mean free phone calls, sophisticated healthcare monitoring and even driverless cars, according to the report.
Should the proposal pass, it will still be several years before the entire network is up and the kinks are worked out. Still, it would be the first time in the world any government has provided free WiFi on a national level, according to the report.
Read the whole story on the Chicago Tribune's website
What do you think about the proposal? Is it a good idea?
Joel Craig
2:55 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
While a wonderful idea, this will never fly. Once the likes of Comcast, AT&T and Verizon start stuffing the pockets of various members of Congress, the FCC's idea will go down in flames. Look at what they are doing around the country to municipalities which are attempting to offer their own broadband services. Unfortunately in today's Congress, money talks, and if no one is getting rich off of free WiFi, it ain't gonna happen. No matter how noble the idea.
Grandpamike
10:00 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I would love it, but don't think I will see it on my lifetime. Although, there is a lot of money on both sides that would mean a big payday for lots of elected people, on both sides. What a way to keep the economy growing, at least for a few.
Rev
4:21 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Great idea....
Who is going to pay for it? Bandwidth is not free, someone needs to pay. That means that us, the taxpayer, will be on the hook for it.
I'll pay for my own, thank you.