IN SUPPORT OF THE GIGABIT CITY CHALLENGE

WHEREAS, internet connections of one gigabit per second are approximately 100 times faster than the average fixed “high-speed” internet connection, and can handle multiple streams of large-format, high-definition content like online video calls, movies, and immersive educational experiences; and

WHEREAS, cities such as Chattanooga, Tennessee and San Leandro, California have taken the initiative to implement their own local gigabit-speed networks; and

WHEREAS cities such as Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, Austin, Texas, and Provo, Utah have taken advantage of the opportunity to partner with the private sectorto implement local gigabit-speed networks; and

WHEREAS, gigabit communities spur innovators to create new businesses and industries, spark connectivity among citizens and services, incentivize investment in high-tech industries, and create jobs; and

WHEREAS, at this year’s U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the “Gigabit City Challenge,” calling for at least one gigabit community in all 50 states by 2015 in order to accelerate the creation of a critical mass of markets and innovation hubs with ultra-fast Internet speeds; and

WHEREAS, Chairman Genachowski announced plans to create a new online  clearinghouse of best practices to collect and disseminate information about how to lower the costs and increase the speed of broadband deployment nationwide, including to create gigabit communities; and

WHEREAS, on May 1, President Obama nominated Tom Wheeler to succeed Chairman Julius Genachowski as the next Chairman of the FCC,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports the FCC’s Gigabit City Challenge, and will continue to collaborate with the FCC, which will be holding workshops on gigabit communities, and supports the development of an online clearinghouse of best practices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Chairman-Designate Wheeler, when confirmed, to continue the Gigabit City Challenge and also to develop new initiatives that involve collaboration with Mayors and local governments.