Submitted by acohill on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 10:52
Outgoing FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has called for free Internet access nationwide, with adult content filters in place to prevent children from accessing porn. This would cost billions to implement, and it is not at all clear who would pay for it. "Free" to the user is not the same as "free" of all costs. Someone still has to fund the construction of the network and pay for the substantial ongoing support and maintenance. Free muni wireless networks have not always fared well, and many "free" projects have suffered from low use rates and mediocre service.
The fundamental problem with "free" broadband services is over-use because the cost to the user appears to be zero. Fees for broadband services are a very useful mechanism not only for paying for the system but also to regulate use. Network admins have extensive data that shows a small minority of users (typically about 5%) tend to use a disproportionate amount of total bandwidth (often using more than 50% of available bandwidth). Pricing services helps regulate use and maintain more consistent levels of service for all users.
Requiring providers to set aside a portion of the wireless spectrum for free use only raises prices for everyone else buying the euphemistically called "premium service." From an economic development perspective, free wireless broadband is not a business attraction strategy, and may even drive businesses away.
Wireless broadband is not a business class service unless no other alternative (e.g. fiber) exists.
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