February 12, 2010

I want to let you know about an exciting possibility for Long Beach. Today I introduced a motion that could bring the world’s fastest Internet connection to Long Beach.

Google, famous for its free search engine, has just announced plans to offer broadband service that will be 100-1,000 times faster than currently available high-speed Internet. Google needs to test the new technology, and is looking for a city where it can offer this new, superfast Internet service at competitive rates for up to half-a-million customers.

This is an opportunity for Long Beach to provide faster Internet service to more residents, help close the digital divide, and raise our city’s profile. I am committed to making Long Beach a technology leader – that’s why I lead the charge to create a new Long Beach City iPhone Application, integrate the iPhone into the city’s Lotus Notes application, put public officials’ city calendars online, and create social networking pages for the City.

Now, I want to see Long Beach win the chance to be Google’s broadband test city. That’s why, along with my colleagues Councilmember Andrews and Vice Mayor Lerch, I am seeking support from the Council to direct the City Manager to apply for this opportunity. Long Beach needs to be a technology leader, and participation in this exciting project is one simple step we can take to help make that a reality.

The Council will vote whether to approve this idea on this coming Tuesday, February 16. I hope you can come down to the Council meeting Tuesday evening to show your support for Long Beach as a technology leader.

Go Long Beach!

Robert