Seattle bringing fiber-optic broadband to Pioneer Square

[Commentary] The city of Seattle is bringing high-speed fiber-optic broadband service to Pioneer Square, laying down conduit so private companies can bid to provide Internet service, and ultimately lease space in the pipes from the city. While improving the streets in Pioneer Square, the city laid down big strings of city-owned pipes, used for fiber-optic service, which is about 100 times faster than cable or DSL (digital subscriber line), said Mayor Mike McGinn's spokesman, Aaron Pickus. If no companies submit proposals, the city will "take steps directly to make service available," according to a statement from the mayor's office.