BP MARKOWITZ ISSUES PROCLAMATION SUPPORTING MORE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS AND ADOPTION IN BROOKLYN
Renames Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridges the “Wi-Fi” and Broadband Bridges

Whereas, Brooklyn has long been dedicated to providing the best access to information and education for all our residents; and with all types of information increasingly available only online, it is more than fitting that we vigorously advance and support all efforts to bring high speed Internet access to every Brooklynite so that all the residents of our borough can share equally in the educational, informational and social resources available in the digital age; and

Whereas, from local, national and global news to social networking, and from business opportunities to job search functions and all manner of communication in between, more and more of our access to information and culture is only available through Internet access and the ability to obtain high-speed access requires a broadband connection; on top of that an alarming rate—about half of Brooklyn households—lack that broadband connection, so it is with great fanfare and dedication that we commit ourselves fully to advancing Brooklyn’s “coming of digital age” so that everyone throughout the borough can go adventuring on the information superhighway; and

Whereas, on behalf of all Brooklynites, I salute those ingenious organizations and individuals who are committed to bringing high-speed Internet access to the underserved residents and communities of Brooklyn by increasing the number of broadband networks, especially when doing so can provide faster Internet access to Brooklynites at lower cost; I commend private/public sector initiatives or partnerships, including Congressional efforts to advance a national broadband plan, that could make high-speed networks available everywhere in Brooklyn and nationwide; and I thank all those who are doing their part to make Brooklyn the best—and fastest—possible place from which to blog, vlog, browse, chat, tweet, link, join, feed, friend, Skype, host, post—and otherwise take part in all manner of e-communication—on the high-speed information superhighway; and

Now, therefore, I, Marty Markowitz, President of the Borough of Brooklyn, do hereby rename the Williamsburg Bridge the “Wi-Fi” Bridge & the Brooklyn Bridge the “Broadband Bridge” and proclaim Friday, March 26, 2010                              

Broadband for All in Brooklyn, USA