The White House is opposing FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s plan to auction off spectrum that specifies exactly how the winner must use it, the WSJ reports. Next week, the agency will vote on a plan to promote a free, wireless broadband network through new spectrum allocations, but it holds stipulations. The winning bidder must use at least 25 percent of the spectrum to build out a nationwide wireless network that eventually covers 95% of the population. President-elect Barack Obama supported the goal of improved broadband in a recent economic policy plan, but hasn’t gone so far as to back the proposal currently under review at the FCC. He hasn’t exactly opposed the idea either. With less than a month left in office, the Bush Administration is making its opposition known. “The administration believes that the (airwaves) should be auctioned without price or product mandate,” Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez wrote in a letter to Martin. “The history of FCC spectrum auctions has shown that the potential for problems increases in instances where licensing is overly prescriptive or designed around unproven business models.” Indeed, Martin’s plan essentially mirrors a proposal put forth by VC-backed startup M2Z Networks. Martin has championed the idea of improving broadband speeds and penetration for years. Next week’s meeting will likely be his last chance to put his stamp on such a measure.

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