The Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) sent a letter to Mayor McGinn and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Director Peter Hahn concerning broadband development in Seattle and urging action to revise the rules concerning placement of telecommunication cabinets on property in the right of way (e.g. median strip between sidewalks and the street). CTTAB believes that a change in these rules are required to enable greater broadband Internet service buildout and competition, which will benefit consumers. CTTAB also acknowledges the challenge of weighing public interests in broadband, property rights, visual design and clutter, and barriers in the public rights of way.
This was done after a number of meetings where CTTAB heard from CenturyLink and SDOT staff, as well as members of the public, including UPTUN, a neighborhood group advocating for faster Internet service. There was also discussion at the Cable and Broadband Committee meetings, and CTTAB members have been participating in meetings with SDOT staff and CenturyLink. To hear the full discussion, listen to the meeting recordings.
Here is the final Advisory Board letter
Here is the Mayor’s response to the CTTAB letter: