March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Internet Gets Go-Ahead for Lightning Residential Speeds: Santa Monica Tops World’s Fastest Residential Broadband

Residents in 10 of Santa Monica’s affordable housing communities will be the first to trial the world’s fastest broadband speeds in their homes after City Council greenlit residential subscription prices that are the cheapest to be found.

Approving the Digital Inclusion Broadband Pilot Program Subscription Rates Tuesday March 1, during the Santa Monica City Council Special Meeting at City Hall, the implementation of 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit broadband to homes has begun.

Official rates see the services run at $69 and $360 per month respectively for 1 and 10 Gigabit services, the fastest speeds available on the planet. Public Assistance Program recipients will be eligible to receive the services at a whopping discount, seeing costs fall to $48 and $252 a month respectively.

The Federal Communications Commission released plans Tuesday to extend the current Lifeline telephone subsidy of $9.25 a month to include internet services, potentially enabling Santa Monica affordable-housing residents to pay $38.25 a month for world-leading technology.

“In a global economy, any competitive edge we can offer our community is a worthy venture,” Gary Carter, Santa Monica City’s Community Broadband Manager told The Mirror.

“Santa Monica is uniquely positioned to collaboratively innovate as a community to fully leverage the technology of a cutting edge fiber optic network,” Carter explained. “The goals of our Digital Inclusion Pilot go far beyond offering ridiculously fast internet. We fully intend to test replique de montre and launch services currently considered “futuristic” by the rest of the nation, during our pilot.”

Currently the pilot program is delivering free 1 Gigabit broadband, and at least one desktop computer, to community rooms at the 10 selected affordable housing complexes, allowing K-12 students and their parents without broadband or computers in their home to walk downstairs and access the internet for homework help and research.

“Broadband is no longer viewed as an amenity, but a basic necessity central to education and productivity,” Carter said.

The higher-speed 10 Gigabit service is also key to maintaining Santa Monica’s place in the tech industry, Carter explained, attracting co-working spaces, venture capital firms, and boosting local tech workforce development programs like the City’s Youth Tech Program and General Assembly.

“The goal is to provide globally competitive broadband as affordable as possible, while maintaining a fiscally sustainable program,” Carter said. “There is also a national focus on the importance of broadband in our lives by the Obama Administration and the FCC. Just today [Wednesday], the White House announced a ConnectAll effort to connect 20 million more Americans to broadband by 2020.

“I envision Santa Monica’s broadband program will continue to maintain its commitment to continuous innovation – increasing broadband speed and capacity ahead of global telecom trends, at an affordable rate, to enable next generation applications for businesses and residents.”

For more about the program, or to apply, head to smcitynet.com. 

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...