The winner of the next chunk of radio spectrum to be auctioned off by the US Federal Communications Commission will be required to provide free wireless internet access.

The edict is based on proposals presented to the FCC by M2Z Networks, Commnet Networks (aka Seattle Community Networks) and Nextwave Broadband, among others, most of which are proponents of WiMax.

Next up for auction is a 25MHz slice of the 2155MHz band. M2Z made a pitch to the FCC in 2006 for this part of the spectrum, proposing to provide free internet access funded by advertising. The FCC would receive a five per cent cut of revenues.

The FCC has reverted to its traditional modus operandi of auctioning the bandwidth, but with the provisos that the winner will provide free wireless access and stringent filters to prevent youngsters accessing inappropriate material.

However, other providers and the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry, which represents wireless vendors, have objected to the proposals on technical grounds and asked the FCC not to attach the free wireless access stipulation to its auction.

Free wireless internet access has a chequered history in the US. Once seen as an inevitability, its progress was stymied by a combination of lack of funds and fierce opposition from US cellular carriers.