Philadelphia, March 25, 2010 – Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter declared that tomorrow Philadelphia will be known as the “The City of Google-ly Love and Gigabit Affection” in support of the City’s application to become a Google internet test site. Google is running a nationwide request-for-information (RFI) process looking for communities that want to become a test bed for development of a network that could provide Internet speeds over 100 times faster than usual. Google will select one or more test bed locations across the country. The City of Philadelphia is putting together the official RFI response, due tomorrow, with input from a variety of stakeholders. The City also encourages employees, residents, businesses, universities/colleges and institutions to support the effort to bring the Google Fiber for Communities project to Philadelphia.
“The more civic pride and enthusiasm we display, the better the chance that we’ll be able to convince Google that Philadelphia – the City of ‘Firsts’ – is the best place to put the nation’s first ultra high speed Internet system”, said Mayor Nutter. “We want to encourage all who live or work in Philadelphia to demonstrate their support by visiting http://gigabitphilly.com, providing your contact information and sharing your ideas.”
“Google fiber will bring ultra high speed Internet access to businesses and homes, creating unprecedented opportunities for economic and community development,” said Chief Technology Officer Allan Frank. “Google’s initiative is consistent with the City’s broader vision to become ‘Gigabit City’, whereby Philadelphia creates technology ecosystems throughout the City where ultra high speed Internet is used strategically to create jobs, both directly and indirectly related to technology.”
The City and its stakeholder partners are also asking for help spreading the word through on-line social networking by becoming a fan of the “Gigabit Philly” Facebook page and promoting to their friends and networks.
