City could become Google test subject

Costa Mesa officials are exploring the idea of making the city a test lab for Google’s foray into the Internet service provider market.

Google is searching for cities with populations of 50,000 to 500,000 to test its fiber-optic service at a low cost, according to a company news release.

The Mountain View-based company says its targeted speed of 1 gigabit a second would be between 100 and 1,000 times faster than other Internet companies’.

Israel Torres, a Costa Mesa resident, has approached Councilwomen Wendy Leece and Katrina Foley about the venture.

Foley, who calls herself a “techie,” said she’s open to the idea as long as it doesn’t cost the city any money.

“I love having access to technology, so whatever we can do to increase access to residents, businesses and tourists, we should,” she said. “This will probably be great for our hotels and an added bounce for visitors.”

Those interested in participating have until March 26 to provide Google with information about their cities.

City staff are aware of Google’s search and will look into it at the end of this week to see if it’s something the city can take on, said Anne Tellez, Costa Mesa telecommunications manager.