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Posted on Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.

Ypsilanti to support Ann Arbor's bid for Google's high speed broadband network

By Tom Perkins

The City of Ypsilanti is looking to support Ann Arbor’s bid to become a pilot city for Google’s “Fiber for Communities” initiative.

If selected, Ann Arbor will serve as a test market for Google’s new ultra-high speed broadband network, which is 100 times faster than current commercial services.

At the March 2 Ypsilanti City Council Meeting, Council Member Brian Robb asked City Manager Ed Koryzno to see if the city could support or possibly join Ann Arbor’s candidacy.

Robb, who owns half of Wireless Ypsi, a wireless internet company providing free wireless internet service to Ypsilanti, said Koryzno reported back that Ann Arbor was too far along in the application process for Ypsilanti to join.

Thus, Robb said he will put forth a resolution at the March 16 council meeting for the city to officially support Ann Arbor’s bid.

Robb said he is also encouraging all Ypsilanti residents to go online and support Ann Arbor’s bid.

“If Ann Arbor gets this, it’s great for the entire community and it’s great for the entire county” he said.

Ypsilanti residents can research the project at A2Fiber.com, submit nominations, upload videos to A2Fiber's YouTube page, become a fan of A2 Fiber on Facebook and follow A2 Fiber on Twitter.

Comments

Jared Mauch

Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 4:27 a.m.

This can't just be an urban thing. I would like to see a wired Washtenaw project. Comcast and AT&T need to either step up or go home. The FCC broadband plan calls for this type of service (like fios) in more progressive parts of the country. Let's not be left behind, and let the Michigan telecommunications act get in the way.

Keepsitreal

Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 9:07 p.m.

Bring it, lets do tha damn thang!