NEWS RELEASE
FROM SEATTLE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Contact: Megan Coppersmith, 206-233-8736,
SEATTLE (April 27, 2017) – Seattle’s Chief Technology Officer Michael Mattmiller today weighed in on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s announcement of his intent to reverse federal regulations that enforce the principle of net neutrality:
“This would be disastrous to a free and open internet. These regulations, which were approved by the FCC in 2015, ensure that internet service providers (ISPs) must enable access to all content regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular websites.
“Seattle has made great progress over the last three years increasing broadband competition, affordability, and choice. Net neutrality, which protects open and equitable access to the internet, is necessary to support equity, economic growth, job creation, education, and a better quality of life. Enforceable net neutrality rules ensure internet providers cannot disadvantage consumers or the startup companies driving Seattle’s growth.
“The City of Seattle will engage with other cities and our partners to develop and deliver comments to the FCC voicing our opposition to this proposed change.”
In June 2014, Mayor Murray announced three strategies to ensure Seattle residents have access to equal, affordable, and competitive broadband internet services. Since this announcement, more than 185,000 Seattle households have gained access to gigabit speed broadband internet service.
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