FCC may deliver a free wireless web

It is the dream of almost every mobile PC users that at some point the broadband airwaves will be free. No more connecting to one expensive WiFi service at one airport only to have to pay for another at the next stop. No more expensive 3G service.

The day may be coming. According to The Wall Street Journal, a new FCC "report clears the way for the FCC to move forward with a plan to auction off airwaves to a bidder who agrees to offer free, national wireless Internet service."

Although the study indicates that most wireless carriers will not be hurt by the program, that is almost certainly not true. By many estimates the free service will be available to 50% of the US population in four years.

The new plan may well do some significant damage to major cellular and WiFi providers. Free is free, and $59 a month can be expensive. How many people will opt to pay for service when they don't need to?

The other industries that could experience some level of harm are the cable companies and telecoms, which offer wired broadband to the home. A good wireless alternative may allow some people to cancel those services.

The FCC regulates the wireless and wired communications companies. Now it means to undermine them.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.