Google Should Take Its Broadband to Failing Cities, Not Happy Ones

[Commentary] Wouldn't it be great if Google installed its gigabit broadband network in cities that could really use the help?

Instead of holding a beauty pageant, in which cities such as Topeka and Duluth, can nominate themselves and find novel ways to get the company's attention, perhaps Google should do its own research and choose cities that would most benefit from a bandwidth boost. I'm offering Google the chance to prove the impact superfast Internet could have. This project could also help Google change its corporate mantra from "Don't Be Evil" to the more optimistic, "Do Good."

Here's my proposal: Google should install its gigabit network in places like Cleveland; Stockton, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Detroit; and Flint, Michigan. Last month, these five cities, in that order, were ranked as the "Most Miserable" cities in America by Forbes magazine. I'm thinking that a superfast network could improve the business environment in these places, help education, create new jobs, and provide entertainment for the presumably miserable residents. Won't solve their problems, but certainly might help.