Council News Release

COUNCIL'S TELECOM TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS A "WIRED NETWORK"
Existing fiber could be used to offer broadband service citywide by 2015

SEATTLE -The Council's Task Force on Telecommunications Innovation released a report today to the Utilities and Technology Committee on how Seattle can become a "broadband city" by building a citywide fiber optic network.

"This is a huge challenge," said Councilmember Jim Compton, chair of the Utilities and Technology Committee and sponsor of the Task Force effort. "Can we lead the world in delivering information and access to our citizens?"

Seattle already has about 450 miles of fiber optic cable strung primarily through the city's downtown core. The Task Force recommends the city explore potential private partners and consider municipal ownership as well to use that existing fiber to offer broadband service citywide by 2015.

"City government must become a catalyst," says Steve Clifford, chair of the Task Force comprised of the region's leading technology experts in education, government, and entrepreneurship.

The Task Force envisions the network will provide broadband access to businesses and residents, as well as have a host of other municipal applications that could streamline government service. The report predicts that broadband access would also improve services to underserved neighborhoods and people throughout the city, including low-income families, minorities, and seniors, and believes the network will be key to maintaining a competitive economy.

"The next step is to create a broadband office," said Councilmember Compton.

You can access the report at: http://www.seattle.gov/cable

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City Council