Cedar Falls, Iowa’s first city to provide access to gigabit Internet speeds, has not gone unnoticed by U.S. President Barack Obama.

President Obama visited Cedar Falls Utilities Wednesday to acknowledge the municpal enity for their service and dedication to the city of Cedar Falls, while encouraging the community’s ability to compete with businesses to provide high-speed Internet.

“Today, I see broadband as not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” said President Obama. “It’s about helping a student access the online courses . . . that can help her pursue her dreams.”

To kick off his visit, Obama applauded the University of Northern Iowa’s men’s basketball team’s top 25 ranking.

Obama used this opportunity to preview his upcoming State of the Union Address, which he will give Tuesday, Jan. 20. 

“I’m on the side of competition and I’m on the side of small business owners,” Obama said. “I’m on the side of students and schools.”

To help end state laws restricting broadband access to communities, Obama asked the Federal Communication Commission to remove federal regulations to ensure municipal utilities can provide best-possible Internet services. 19 states restrict public municipalities from providing consumer broadband. 

“You are almost 100 times faster than the national average and you can log on for about the same price as a fully loaded cable bundle,” Obama said.

UNI President Bill Ruud attended Obama’s visit and enjoyed Obama’s recognition of Cedar Falls. 

Ruud said Obama identifies Cedar Falls as a great place to live, he even gave a shout out to UNI men’s basketball, and a UNI alumnus introduced Obama. 

 “People ought to recognize that and remember it,” Ruud said.

Mark Reifenrath, UNI alumnus and a partner at Spinutech, introduced Obama.

Spinutech is a Cedar Falls-based web design company.

“Cedar Falls is a special place. We have a great university, UNI . . . an unbelievable performing arts center and, of course, one of the few ‘gigabit cities,’’ Reifenrath said.

See pictures on page 3.