Seattle Broadband Initiative Website

The Broadband and Telecommunications Task Force ("BTTF") disbanded in May 2005 after completing its assignment. The information on the BTTF website is provided for background information. Any questions or comments can be directed to Tony Perez at tony.perez@seattle.gov.

The Seattle City Council created, with concurrence by Mayor Greg Nickels, the Task Force on Broadband and Telecommunications in summer, 2004. The Task Force charge is to explore and report on the feasibility of using municipal resources in a network that is available to the public using broadband technologies.

The Task Force held twelve meetings—two a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month—to complete its charge. The goal was to present draft recommendations by spring, 2005 on a direction for the City of Seattle in broadband development and use.

The work of the committee included evaluation of broadband technologies such as broadband over power lines; Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and other wireless applications; and end-user fiber-optics build out. The Task Force also explored the future of broadband and broadband experiences of other cities and governments, and will assess City of Seattle assets that could help shape the future of telecommunications information services for the City, its citizens and its businesses.

The thirteen-member Task Force was chaired by Steve Clifford, the former CEO of King Broadcasting. Seattle City Council Resolution 30684 directed that members of the Task Force should have the following expertise, experience and attributes:

• Members of the business, technology, and telecommunication communities;
• Persons with a background in community technology;
• Persons with expertise in technology and telecommunications law and regulation; and
• Citizens with an interest in technology, telecommunications, and the delivery of services to residents and businesses in Seattle.