Partnership plans ultra-high-speed Internet networks

{mosads}The goal of the project is to encourage economic development and innovations in services such as education and healthcare in the select communities. 

Gig.U was founded by Blair Levin, who oversaw the development of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan in 2010. Gig.U is working to develop ultra-high-speed networks around a few universities.

In a statement, Levin said, “America needs an upgrade,” and that “there are innovators and investors willing to step up to get it done.”

Mark Ansboury, president of Gigabit Squared, said the stimulus bill’s funding for broadband deployment “was a great jumpstart,” but still “just a starting point.”

“In order to realize true economic revitalization we’re urging our national and community leaders to think and act in more creative ways. And we’re backing those efforts with significant investment of our own,” he said.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski applauded the announcement, calling it a “welcome and significant accomplishment.”

“As outlined in the National Broadband Plan, it’s vital both that we connect every corner of America to broadband and that we spur next-generation innovation through next-generation broadband networks,” Genachowski said in a statement.

—Updated at 3:00 p.m.