Hopefully this post is better late than never – please help us get the word out on what could be one of the most important additions to Omaha in the next five years.
What is Google Fiber?
From the official Google blog:
Google is planning to launch an experiment that we hope will make Internet access better and faster for everyone. We plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Our networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We’ll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.
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Why should we want it?
As we look to build a community of tech entrepreneurs and startups, an increase in available bandwidth will only help push innovation.
Joe Toppi of Omaha does a nice job explaining some of the benefits:
- It could create jobs
- It could bring videos into the home in seconds
- It could make Husker Games available anywhere, anytime
- With the help of the medical community, it can be used to save lives
- It can do things I haven’t thought of but you will
Here’s a great writeup from Startup Pittsburgh about the impact Google Fiber could have on their city’s startup community: Call to Action: Google FiberrFi for Pittsburgh
What has been done?
- Omaha and Council Bluffs officials have joined to submit a Request for Proposal. Here’s the World-Herald’s coverage of it: Cities join to woo Google
- A community member created a Facebook group and actively moderates it: Bring Google Fiber to Omaha-Council Bluffs
- Community members have written blog posts, such as Be Active in the Community – Bring Google to Omaha
- And for comparison, here are a few notable efforts in other communities:
- DSMfiber.org hopes to bring the Google fiber project to Des Moines
- Topeka ‘renames’ itself ‘Google, Kansas’
- Duluth vows to name first born babies after Google
- Cities Go Gaga for Google Fiber With Glowsticks! Flashmobs! Twistee Treats! An Icy Lake Jump!
What can you do right now?
- Before this Friday, March 26, visit google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options to nominate our community
- Join the Facebook group: Bring Google Fiber to Omaha-Council Bluffs
- Share the effort with family, friends, and Twitter followers
