Jan 31, 2018 - Technology

Los Angeles mayor: Repealing net neutrality was "idiotic"

Kim Hart

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti delivers remarks during the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January 2018 in Washington, DC. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said it was "idiotic" for the FCC to roll back net neutrality rules, and that he hopes the administration reverses course.

Why it matters: Some local elected officials are taking a stand against the FCC's net neutrality decision. Garcetti said at the Upfront Summit in LA on Wednesday that it's another area where local governments can take a leadership position.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock recently mandated that internet service providers with state contracts adhere to net neutrality rules.
Newark, N.J. Mayor Ras Baraka committed to keeping the city-owned fiber network net neutral.

Context: Los Angeles is home to a lot of pro-net neutrality internet companies, such as Snap, Hulu and other video startups, so it's not surprising to see Garcetti take this stance.

Role of local government: Garcetti is a big proponent of the idea that the most meaningful action happens at the local level. He also suggested that branch libraries could follow the WeWork model in order to have a dual role as a local incubator.

Big Tech: When asked about increasing concentration in the tech industry, Garcetti said, "I don't fear it and I don't oppose it," he said. "I want to try to help guide it."

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Los Angeles mayor: Repealing net neutrality was "idiotic"

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