The City of Oakland joined about 600 other communities nationwide today in a competition for the honor of becoming a test-site for Google’s experimental ultra high-speed broadband networks. With speeds more than 100 times faster than the average American experiences, the ultra-fast fiber is intended to stimulate the development of new applications and innovations not currently possible with existing speeds. Google’s intent is to see just how communities will use virtually unlimited Internet bandwidth.

Oakland has branded its effort “Oakland digs the gig!” and created a Facebook page and YouTube channel. Mayor Dellums created a video promoting Oakland to Google.

“Why should Google select Oakland?” asked Mayor Ron Dellums in the video. “Quite simply, because Oakland citizens get involved. Oakland is a dynamic city with unparalleled community involvement. When I became Mayor, Oaklanders from all walks of life formed more than 40 community task forces to make this city better. The Google experimental fiber network in Oakland will ignite the same kind of enthusiasm. Oakland is a vibrant city, and our citizens will provide the energy and innovation to show new value in high-speed networks.”