The story of December has been a proposed plan to provide free national broadband of the porn-free ilk. Since the FCC would be mandating this license free, they wanted the concession of keeping smut away from kids. Ergo, adult filter, which only adults can opt out of. A couple of weeks ago, though, the FCC canceled a meeting during which they were to vote on the matter. So there’s no guarantee that we’ll see this type of free national broadband. After all, it’s not like there aren’t other options. Still, the chairman wants this auction to happen.
The latest, via Alley Insider and Ars Technica: Martin is willing to remove the porn filter. It appears some consumer advocates don’t want it, and that could be holding back the whole process.
“I’m saying if this is a problem for people, let’s take it away,” Martin said. “A lot of public interest advocates have said they would support this, but we’re concerned about the filter. Well, now there’s an item in front of the Commissioners and it no longer has the filter. And I’ve already voted for it without the filter now. So it’s already got one vote.”
Does Martin want this to be his legacy? Judging by his actions it appears so. He’s been pushing this broadband issue for about two months how. While many advocacy groups, and perhaps a few Commissioners, might like the deal, the lack of a filter will probably play into the wireless industry’s hands. They don’t like this one bit, as it amounts to competition.
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