Forum to Discuss Broadband Internet Access

While the Los Angeles City Council grapples over whether to mandate open access to broadband Internet networks, other cities such as Portland, Ore., and Fairfax, Va., have already moved to force cable operators and other providers of high-speed Internet capabilities to share the technology. Two men involved in that debate, Fairfax Cty Councilman Scott Silverthorne and Portland cable regulator David Olson are scheduled to discuss their cities’ decisions today at a noon lunch meeting sponsored by the Town Hall Los Angeles issues forum at the Marriott hotel downtown. Proponents of shared access claim the practice will prevent monopolies and keep service fees low. Opponents contend government regulation will slow widespread roll-out of broadband technology. For more information, call (213) 628-8141.