The City of Seattle cable franchise agreement with Comcast expires in January 2026, and Seattle Information Technology (Seattle IT) is preparing to negotiate its renewal. This agreement impacts thousands of Seattle residents and businesses, shaping service quality, affordability, and access to essential technology and media. Your feedback is crucial to determining your community’s cable-related needs and interests. Complete this questionnaire to tell us where improvements are needed most and make your voice heard. Here’s what the renewal process involves.
Why Does a Cable Franchise Agreement Matter?
This cable franchise agreement grants Comcast the right to provide cable services in Seattle, setting specific guidelines for quality, infrastructure, and public benefits. Cable franchises help ensure Seattle residents have access to reliable and affordable cable service while also contributing to Seattle’s digital equity programs and public media.
Revenue from this agreement supports several key initiatives, including:
- Low-cost Internet Access for households across Seattle
- Digital Navigators to assist residents with tech support and skills-building
- The Technology Matching Fund for community-driven tech projects
- Non-profit Internet and low-cost cable options
- Public Access Programs, including the Seattle Channel, providing public, educational, and governmental programming for all residents
With the Comcast agreement renewal on the horizon, Seattle IT is gathering community input to make sure these programs are prioritized, expanded, and enhanced where they’re needed most.
Why Does Community Feedback Matter?
As we evaluate Comcast’s current service and look toward negotiating terms for the next agreement, we want to know your experiences, needs, and ideas. Feedback from residents helps Seattle IT negotiate service standards that reflect what our community values, including:
Quality and Affordability
Are you satisfied with Comcast’s current service? Is the service reliable and affordable? Your feedback guides our discussions on improving quality, accessibility, and customer support.
Public and Digital Equity Programs
What digital inclusion programs matter most to you, and how can they improve? Franchise fees fund digital equity programs to bridge the digital divide. By sharing your priorities, you’ll help us make technology and internet access more inclusive.
How Can You Get Involved?
Seattle IT is dedicated to a transparent process with diverse voices that represent all of Seattle. Here’s how you can participate:
Complete a Short Online Questionnaire
This questionnaire captures your experiences with Comcast and your priorities for digital inclusion. We’re making it brief and convenient to ensure we gather input from as many residents as possible. Click here to complete the questionnaire.
What’s Next?
After gathering your input, we’ll integrate your priorities into negotiations. We want to advocate for you and improve service quality and affordability for Seattle residents and businesses alike. We’re committed to expanding digital equity programs to meet the needs of our city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Let’s make sure Seattle’s cable services support an inclusive, connected, and tech-forward future.
Thank you for sharing your input and joining us in shaping the future of Comcast’s services in Seattle.