[LINK] Free US spectrum for wireless

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

U.S. considers some free wireless broadband service

<http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6282UZ20100309?type=technologyNews?
feedType=nl&feedName=ustechnology>


(Reuters) - U.S. regulators may dedicate spectrum to free wireless 
Internet service for some Americans to increase affordable broadband 
service nationwide, the Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday.

The FCC provided few details about how it would carry out such a plan and 
who would qualify, but will make a recommendation under the National 
Broadband Plan set for release next week. The agency will determine 
details later.

One way of making broadband more affordable is to "consider use of 
spectrum for a free or a very low cost wireless broadband service," the 
FCC said in a statement.

The FCC statement was released during a Digital Inclusion Summit aimed at 
connecting one-third of Americans without home broadband service.

The FCC also said there would also be a recommendation in the broadband 
blueprint to launch a Digital Literacy Corps of volunteers who would 
provide training to communities with low rates of adoption.

(Reporting by John Poirier; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
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Cheers,
Stephen