For Immediate Release
February 2, 2015
Contact: Deb Socia
617-251-8358
deb@nextcenturycities.org
Statement by Next Century Cities Executive Director Deb Socia on reports of draft FCC decision on state laws preventing local Internet choice
Applauds move toward community choice
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2015) – Deb Socia, Executive Director of Next Century Cities, released the following statement, responding to reports of a draft decision being circulated by Chairman Tom Wheeler of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to the landmark petitions filed by Next Century Cities member communities Wilson (NC) and Chattanooga (TN):
“We welcome reports that Chairman Wheeler is taking the concerns of cities and their leaders seriously when it comes to local choice. We look forward to seeing the details, but any move to expand choices for towns and cities is good for innovation, competition, and for the country.”
“If we want truly next-generation broadband, then cities across the country need to be in the driver’s seat. That’s why they are looking to the FCC to uphold their ability to make the best choices for their communities and residents.”
“Just last week, mayors and elected officials from 38 of our member communities wrote urging the FCC to respect the principles of local choice and self-determination. We applaud the Chairman on his response, and this draft decision is a key step forward.”
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Background
Next Century Cities is a city-to-city initiative founded to support communities and their elected leaders, including mayors and other officials, as they seek to ensure that all have access to fast, affordable, and reliable Internet. As innovative municipalities across the country recognize the importance of leveraging gigabit level Internet to attract new businesses and create jobs, improve health care and education, and connect residents to new opportunities, Next Century Cities will celebrate these successes, demonstrate their value, and help other cities to realize the full power of truly high-speed, affordable, and accessible broadband. For more information, visit www.nextcenturycities.org.
Next Century Cities Letter to FCC
The full text of the Next Century Cities Letter to the FCC on Local Choice can be found here.