WASHINGTON—A former wireless policymaker has teamed with financial backers to seek spectrum for an advertising-supported national broadband wireless network that would provide service for free.
M2Z Networks Inc., co-founded by former Federal Communications Commission wireless chief John Muleta, has applied to operate a national wireless broadband network in the 2155-2175 MHz band. The band is adjacent to a chunk of advanced wireless services spectrum, due to fetch the U.S. Treasury billions of dollars when bidding for licenses is scheduled begin June 29. In exchange for gaining access to valuable airwaves, M2Z said it would contribute back to the federal government 5 percent of gross revenues from subscription services it will offer in addition to free broadband wireless service.
M2Z said it has financial backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Charles River Ventures and Redpoint Ventures.
M2Z’s full filing can be found here in PDF format.
Reuters first reported on M2Z’s plans.
