FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Wheeler Statement on FCC Limiting Local Authority in 5G Rollout
“The City of Portland strongly opposes the FCC’s recent two items that effectively give away public property for free to cable and wireless companies. Rather than speed the deployment of high speed internet, the FCC’s actions trample local authority without asking the cable and wireless industries for anything in return.
“The City of Portland wants to advance 5G deployment in its public right of way, but not by asking Portland residents to subsidize the wireless industry’s business costs and neglecting the thousands of residents who cannot afford high speed internet. Requiring cities to subsidize the wireless industry’s deployment of 5G without requiring the wireless industry to serve low-income communities will not close the current digital divide. The City looks forward to negotiating in good faith with companies that are committed to bringing the essential service of high speed internet to our entire community.”
City officials began talks this week with several national telecommunications companies that want to offer 5G Internet service in Portland. Mayor Wheeler and Commissioner Eudaly provided guidance to direct the city's negotiations (memo attached).
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