"A city-owned fiber-optic system built atop City Light's AMI network would eventually reach every home and business in the city, offering speeds 10 to 20 times faster than current top offerings—plus voice and TV—at a much more affordable price. A 2007 study commissioned by the city estimated that this added competition could save Seattle consumers $2 billion over 20 years, providing a "gigantic boost to the local economy."
But is it feasible? Thomsen says that there could be "potential beyond the metering," but that City Light lacks the mandate to even ask the question. So is there the political will to instruct City Light to explore both the technical and economic potential?"