Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declared Friday, March 26 as "Google Day," asking Pittsburghers to help get the message to Google that the city wants its ultra-speed broadband network.
The Citiparks Department will be coordinating a photograph to be taken from the roof of the City-County Building (located at Forbes Ave. between Grant and Ross Streets) tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Supporters are asked to get to the location by noon for staging purposes and wear black and gold.
"We need everyone to help us form the word 'Google' so that I can send the picture along with our application, showing them that we've indeed reserved a space for them right here in Pittsburgh," Ravenstahl said.
The Google Fiber Communities program, announced on Feb. 10, would deploy and test fiber optics networks that would deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than those typically available to Americans today. Google will pay to install and operate the networks and would charge consumers competitive rates for the service.
Last week, city leaders launched www.pittsburghgoesgoogle.com. Through the website, individuals and organizations can submit comments, leave voicemails, or upload a video of support and ideas for how the network could be used. Pittsburghers can also download badges and signs, showing their support.
"Reserved for Google" signs will be passed out to everyone participating in the photo tomorrow. Ravenstahl is encouraging Pittsburghers to show their support for Google Fiber and download the sign, which depicts the Pittsburgh "parking chair."
Google's application states that higher consideration will be given to cities who show that their government and community is willing to do whatever it takes to get the network.
The Mayor will send the photograph and application to Google tomorrow. Friday is the deadline for all applications.
Google is expected to announce its decision this fall.
More information on the project can be found at the following links:
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