Google announced recently that it is planning to launch an experiment to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country.

These networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today. Communities being considered will be between 50,000 and 500,000 people.

The thought of having such a blazingly fast service motivated a cadre of Mercedians to pool their efforts.  So County and City officials, along with Merced Ahead, the Chamber of Commerced, and Merced Boosters got together to press forward with the initiative.

Whether we get this high speed network remains to be seen.  However, a great thing was accomplished in the pooling of energy and creativity that occurred here.  Take, for example, the 300 people that got together one Saturday to spell “Google” on a local football field.

There is no way to understate the importance of communities of people working together for the common good.  We are always better together than we are apart.