FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, City of Tacoma, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Rebekah Anderson, Tacoma Public Utilities, randerson2@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 441-4598

City Council Votes to Adopt Resolution to Negotiate With Rainier Connect

TACOMA, Wash. -- On Tuesday, March 26, the Tacoma City Council voted to adopt a resolution to pursue negotiations with Tacoma-based internet and telecommunications services provider, Rainier Connect, for expansion of the existing public-private partnership, which includes maintaining the Click! Network as a publicly-owned asset.

After a year-long RFI/Q process, consulting firm CTC Technology and Energy had recommended Rainier Connect as the optimal choice, with a term sheet that aligns with the 12 policy goals established by both the Tacoma City Council and the Tacoma Public Utility Board.

Rainier Connect’s proposal ensures that Tacoma residents retain ownership of Click! Network, and includes a landmark commitment to net neutrality, customer privacy, low-income affordability and non-transfer to an entity with substantial market share. Rainier Connect provided the strongest assurance related to non-transfer.

Negotiations with Rainier Connect are expected to take several months. If a final contract is approved, it will include a plan to minimize service disruption to existing customers.

Members of the public can learn more about, and provide feedback on, CTC’s assessment online at MyTPU.org/ClickUpdate.

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