Mayor Talks Of Task Force On Technology

Thu., Sept. 9, 1999

Spokane Mayor John Talbott said Wednesday he may ask that a technology task force be created to examine how cable networks, fiber optics and other leading-edge infrastructure can be used to benefit economic development in the Spokane area.

Talbott made the remarks in an address to the Spokane City-County Cable Advisory Board.

“We are about to make a major leap forward in economic development in this area,” Talbott predicted.

The technology task force, of which Talbott did not discuss specifics, would be made up of individuals with a strong high-tech background to offer input on a range of topics.

The cable advisory board monitors TCI, now AT&T, and the franchise agreement it has with the city and county. The citizen panel recently finished dealing with the issue of whether Internet service providers should be allowed to lease lines from cable companies to offer competitive Internet products.

After a public hearing, the advisory group passed a resolution opposing Internet provider access to cable networks.

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