Free, Porn-Free Web Plan Being Pushed by FCC Chair

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

This could be Martin's last meeting as chairman, because the FCC chair is appointed by the president and Martin, a Bush appointee, may be replaced as chair, although his term as a FCC commissioner does not end until 2011.

At its Dec. 18 meeting, the FCC could also consider new rules involving cable TV programming, but the free Internet plan is the most controversial issue the agency will tackle in December. Martin has shelved plans to consider other issues under review, including a request by Hollywood studios to alter TVs and set-top boxes so studios can offer copy-protected theatrical releases sooner.

The proposal to offer a free wireless Internet service — without adult material — is part of a proposal to auction off part of the airwaves. The auction winner could establish a paid service that would have a fast wireless Internet connection, and would also be required to set aside a quarter of the airwaves for a free Internet service. The free service could be slower and would be required to filter out pornography and other material not suitable for children. The FCC's proposal is similar to a plan offered by M2Z Networks Inc., a startup backed by John Doerr, a partner in venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

Consumer advocates have objected to the FCC's proposed pornography filter and the wireless industry has objected to the entire free Internet plan. To address concerns about the filter, the FCC is proposing that adults could opt out and access all Internet sites.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Whisper Fans Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Whisper Fans has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Utherverse Launches 'Red Light Center' Virtual World

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse has launched its new virtual world, RedLightCenter.io.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

Show More