M2Z Networks has popped up in the news again. The County Executives of America (CEA) wants to bring free broadband wireless service to more than 51,000 Kenosha County homes in partnership with M2Z Networks. M2Z has made headlines since 2006 when it asked the FCC for permission to use the vacant 2155-2175 MHz spectrum band to build a wireless broadband network offering free service that would cover 95 percent of the population within 10 years. That plan is still in limbo with the FCC.
The CEA's plan hinges on two key elements:That the CEA receives the broadband stimulus money it applied for and that the FCC will vote to make spectrum available for the plan by Sept. 30.
Kenosha County is part of the CEA's nationwide initiative that calls for $122 million in stimulus money to jump start broadband development in 12 member counties. The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) is in the process of reviewing applications for this second round with plans to award its chosen applicants with grants and loans by Sept. 30. Its decision will hinge on whether the FCC has approved use of spectrum for the free broadband plan.
For more:
- see this release
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