Bringing Google to Cincinnati

Over 100 cities are vying to attract a one-of-kind test of Google’s Fiber to Home Gigabit network, and the internet giant has enlisted city officials and residents to make the case for their hometowns.  Many cities are getting creative starting Facebook pages and using video and photo contests to promote their candidacy, while others, like Topeka, Kansas, have even offered to change their name to “Google, Kansas” to lure them to their city.  Cincinnati has thrown its hat into the ring as well. A Facebook page is gaining steam, and with a little under two weeks to go, the City is also encouraging residents to help attract the popular internet search engine giant to the Queen City where, if successful, would test a national broadband plan that offers internet speeds up to 100x faster than most users experience. While the City is busy preparing its application to be considered it’s also enlisting residents to help. As part of application process, Google has released a Request for Information (RFI) from citizens in support of the local government’s application. The deadline is this Friday, March 26. Residents have to create a free Gmail account as part of the process. The plan, according to Google, is to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people in one or more cities. According to Cincinnati city spokesperson Meg Olberding, if Cincinnati is successful, it means a lot more than just bragging rights. “There are lots of people in Cincinnati who want it to be a more attractive, competitive and inclusive city. Google is providing an opportunity that could be a step towards that so we should try to be a city they choose,” she said. Olberding also says it sends a signal about the kind of city we are, and could help attract business and talent to our city. To submit a response visit here. Writer: Sean RhineySources: www.google.com, City of Cincinnati, Meg Olberding.