Matching Funds Program will Bring Free Wireless Broadband to Underserved Communities Statewide and Across America
Broadband Wireless Exchange | June 13, 2007
[FAC: G. Cook posted this article earlier today, and it's elicited several interesting observations concerning: the motivations behind the individuals cited (and some who are not cited); the emotional impact that results anytime the terms "family-friendly" and "underserved communities," suggesting a digital divide, are used, inspiring the coining of the term "guilt credits", as I noted earlier; the makes-sense, or not, of such a scheme that uses speeds that are outdated even before they're launched over a ridiculously-long term; the "advertising penalty" one would be forced to endure; and where all of this FCC-staff contaminated spectrum business is leading, if gone unchecked. Additional comments welcome.]
bbwexchange.com
6/13/07 - One Economy Corporation, a multi-national nonprofit, joined with Silicon Valley backed M2Z Networks, Inc. and civic leaders from across North Carolina to kick off the M2Z Broadband Challenge, an innovative nationwide program designed to ensure that all Americans have unfettered access to M2Z's planned fast, free and family-friendly broadband wireless Internet service.
The Broadband Challenge enlists the private and public sectors in helping schools, libraries, youth centers, lower income families, and others access high-speed Internet through a $10 million dollar-for-dollar matching fund program sponsored by M2Z. As the inaugural partner in the M2Z Broadband Challenge, One Economy Corporation will raise funds for the purchase and distribution of the modems that will be needed to access M2Z's service. M2Z has no proprietary interest in these modems and will garner no revenue from them. The first modems purchased through this program will be made available in Bertie County, NC.
"Marketplace innovation can help connect America's most isolated communities to the digital age. M2Z Networks is offering America a bold proposal. We are excited to be a part of the M2Z Broadband Challenge," said One Economy Executive Vice President Alec Ross.
"The Internet has become an integral part of daily life. Americans rely on it to learn, work, play and communicate on issues of importance to our communities," said John Muleta, CEO of M2Z Networks. "M2Z strongly believes that everyone should have open-access to broadband Internet service that is fast, free, and family-friendly and we are determined to make that happen. The M2Z Broadband Challenge, which we are kicking off here today in North Carolina, confirms our commitment to eliminating barriers to getting free broadband to all Americans." Over a year ago, M2Z Networks applied to the Federal Communications Commission for permission to use a fallow spectrum band to deliver this much-needed service.
The M2Z Broadband Challenge has attracted significant support from civic leaders in North Carolina, where the program is being launched. Bertie County Commission Vice Chair Lewis (LC) Hoggard, Windsor Mayor Bob Spivey, Former Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer and other local leaders pledged their support for the program at its June 6th announcement.
"North Carolinians in Bertie County and across the state must know that there are no barriers to their learning, empowering themselves and contributing to the economic growth of their communities," said Bertie County Commission Vice Chair Lewis (LC) Hoggard. "Broadband Internet access is essential to that goal and to Bertie County and North Carolina's ability to compete in the increasingly global economy."
The program's sponsors chose to launch the Broadband Challenge in North Carolina because of the commitment by state and local officials to document the current availability of broadband and to increase adoption. For example:
* M2Z estimates that North Carolina ranks 40th nationally in broadband adoption based on FCC data
* Only one in three North Carolina residents has high-speed Internet service at home
* In more than one of every four North Carolina counties less than 70 percent of the population has access to high speed Internet connectivity
Nationwide, 58 percent of American homes -- about 120 million adults -- have either dial-up connections or no connection at all, while 56 percent of primarily Hispanic and 53 percent of primarily African American elementary and nursery school students lack Internet access.
M2Z Networks currently has an application before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to lease 20MHz of fallow spectrum to build a nationwide network to offer fast, free and family-friendly broadband to 95 percent of the U.S. population within ten years. The service will be supported by locally targeted search results and will include a network-level filter to shield children using the service from indecent content. If licensed, M2Z would pay the U.S. Treasury 5 percent of annual gross revenues from its subscription services, which could total payments of up to $1 billion over 15 years. The introduction of M2Z's broadband service would generate $18 to $32 billion in direct consumer benefits over the next 15 years according to two uncontested economic studies.
Hundreds of officials and organizations from all over the country (including city council members, State Senators, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, associations, public safety groups, colleges, and universities) have written letters to the FCC urging them to approve the M2Z application.
By Robert Hoskins
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