WASHINGTON D.C. - Late last spring, participants in a new business venture applied to the FCC for use of a portion of currently unlicensed spectrum. In return for use of the spectrum, M2Z Networks offered to provide certain public services, including free wireless broadband access to 95 percent of the U.S. population within ten years. Is such a proposal likely to be an efficient way of increasing U.S. broadband penetration, or will it undermine the now-accepted method of allocating spectrum by auction? These and other policy questions raised by the M2Z application will be discussed at " Allocating the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Discussion of the M2Z Proposal," a congressional seminar hosted by The Progress & Freedom Foundation.

The event, to be held on February 16th, will feature a panel of experts, including individuals involved with the M2Z Networks proposal. Panelists are expected to discuss the economic and policy implications of the proposal and the broader topic of spectrum allocation. The complete panel roster will be announced in upcoming weeks.

"Allocating the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Discussion of the M2Z Proposal," will be held Friday, February 16th from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm in Room 2105 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Lunch will be served. Those interested in attending can register here. Media queries should be directed to Amy Smorodin at 202-289-8928 or asmorodin@pff.org. Others should contact Eileen Goulding at 202-289-8928 or egoulding@pff.org.

Last spring, PFF's Digital Age Communications Act Project New Spectrum Policy Working Group released a report on spectrum reform, available on the PFF website. The report suggests that allocation based on property rights would promote the most efficient use of spectrum.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.