Decision Points

Yes, we are looking at the Google fiber network offer

We've had a few emails as well as a couple of tweets to @roundrocknews asking if the City is considering Google's RFI (Request For Information) for a community to host a whiz-bang fiber network. The answer is yes, we are taking a look at it. 

If you haven't heard, Google announced Feb. 10 it is "planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States. We'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people."

The deadline to respond to the RFI is March 26. While it may seem like a no-brainer to submit, we want to do some homework over the next couple of weeks to make sure there are no unintended consequences. If we decide to go for it, I suspect we'll be asking you, dear readers, to join us in the effort.

What do you think? Should we go for it?

Posted: Feb 11 2010, 02:10 PM by Will Hampton | with 1 comment(s)
Filed under:

Comments

mokeefe said:

FANTASTIC!  I was going to recommend this to you folks, as I think Round Rock is an excellent candidate with a growing and relatively tech savvy community.  I fully support Google's intentions to spur American internet access growth, as the current providers continue to drag their heels in the absence of adequate competition or proper government regulation.  Comparing America's access to other countries' (particularly Japan, which is government regulated) will very quickly show you how far behind we are in this area.  This is particularly distressing in an age where we rely more and more on internet access, and we are just scratching the surface of what can be done with better connectivity.  I am also very happy with Google's efforts to maintain net neutrality.  I very much want their mission to succeed, and I would love for our community to be a part of it!  If Round Rock gets selected, I can assure you I will endeavor to be first in line!

# February 12, 2010 3:48 PM
Remember:
If you would like to comment, you need to join Community Conversations