Valleywide : Telecommunications System Ideas Sought

City Councilman Marvin Braude this week called on communications companies to work with the city to build a telecommunications system for Los Angeles.

The system would provide the utility infrastructure for telephone, cable television, teleconferencing and computer services.

On Tuesday, the councilman sent a letter to telephone, cable television and other companies encouraging them to send in opinions and proposals on how the system should be set up.

“The most desirable solution will probably be a well-conceived plan for joint city-private sector development and control of the city’s telecommunications system,” the letter states.

“A negotiated contract that was fair to the city would be seriously considered if presented with reasonable speed by an outstanding, well-qualified proposer or team,” it continues.

In the letter, Braude compares the development of a telecommunications system to the city’s start-up of the Department of Water and Power, Harbor Department and Department of Airports.

“What I’m seeking is the creation of a whole new industry for Los Angeles,” Braude said in a public statement released by his office.

“It would be a menu of electronic services of every imaginable kind, available to everyone in the city regardless of where they live or what their economic level might be.”

Braude represents portions of Woodland Hills, Tarzana and Encino.