On his way out as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Kevin Martin is still hopeful that his proposal - of creating a countrywide free wireless broadband network - might just win the support of his fellow commissioners. The expectation of being able to push through the plan has risen as Martin has removed one major objection related to porn filtering on the public network.

Like the rest of his plan, Martin's proposal to build a family-friendly broadband network by blocking objectionable Web sites was loosely based on the business model of a startup called M2Z Networks. The concept mirrors the logic behind indecency regulations governing over-the-air broadcast TV: Since the service would be available to everyone, it would need to protect children from unsuitable material.

Free-speech advocates, on the left and right, have been opposing the proposal raising questions about determining the appropriateness of Internet content and the effectiveness of content filters. These antagonists opine that filters habitually block some of the legitimate sites containing resources about health and sex education.

Moreover, referring to the 1997 landmark ruling of the Supreme Court that struck down a federal law regulating overt online material, critics of the proposal noted that parents can easily access a range of online tools for controlling the movements of their children on the Web.

Even with the content filtering idea removed, the chances of the approval of the highly ambitious plan appear to be slight. Significant resistance from T-Mobile USA and other wireless carriers includes the aspect of the plan's interference with their respective services.