The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced its decision to move forward with its plans to make the Internet more open and widely available. The plan consists in setting up an auction for a 25 MHz piece of spectrum in the 2155 MHz band and its winner will be required to offer free wireless-Internet access to most Americans. The process would be completed over the next few years.

According to FCC’s Chairman Kevin Martin, the buyer would also have to build the network for at least 50 percent of the population during the first 4 years and should reach 95 percent in 10 years at the most. Internet would be offered free, but restricted and verified through a content filter for any kind of obscene materials.

"We believe this is a good idea and demonstrates the FCC's commitment to supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on the next phase of broadband innovation. This will give consumers greater choices to access the Internet," said Chelsea Fallon, a FCC spokeswoman, in a statement, according to PCWorld.

The plan was developed by the FCC in collaboration with several companies including M2Z Networks, Commnet Wireless and NextWave Broadband. Initially, back in 2006, M2Z proposed to receive the spectrum in order to offer free Internet access to users by funding its efforts through advertising and also paying the FCC 5 percent of its revenue.

The auction procedures are expected to require at least six months, so if FCC’s June 12 meeting approves the plan, the process to set up the pricing plans, minimum data rates, content filtering and many other issues will be immediately started.