Superfast Internet Connections for Newton?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 12:54PM ;)
Google has just announced that it is looking for cities and towns to pilot its new ultra high-speed internet connection service. According to their announcement, they will build high-speed fiber networks that will connect people and business to the Internet at speeds 100-times that of traditional broadband connections. They are interested cities and towns to contact them.
In researching my NewtonNet wireless Internet access proposal, I had a question placed on the city census a few years ago regarding computer use in Newton and I believe we could use those data to make a great case to Google that Newton would make a perfect place to test their new service.
I'm hoping our city officials will act quickly to jump on this opportunity.
Here's a link to a New York Times article about Google's new initiative.
Reader Comments (5)
THat would be fantastic.
Whatever happened to NewtonNet? Couldn't that be a fee-based service that might even make the city some money?
Nice idea. Think this type of link with Newton would be a good choice. Now is the time for change. Would also like to see Newton expand its tech support (one person?) and bring options such as 311.It is expensive. Apparently, a GIS system is available, so need to increase support for this as well. But need an upgraded system to report issues with public safety, sidewalks blocked with snow, etc.
Just created a new blog is to promote better DPW clearing of sidewalks via pics and blogging. Sidewalks are for everyone. Wheelchair users, children, elders need to get off the street onto a clear sidewalk. Please visit http://snowynewton.blogspot.com
Ben,
The City of Newton was not quick enough to implement NewtonNet when we had a great model available that would have built it out for free, but I planned on completing the project had I won the election. For it to happen would require tenacious advocacy from within City Hall, which I don't see happening any time soon. Of course, you are correct that it would have been good for Newton's bottom line, while providing a valuable service to our residents and businesses.
Ken
I hope Newton will give this the ol' college try. It would be great to have this technology and also give our current internet providers more competition.
I also cannot wait to get linked in with Google Power Meter: http://www.google.org/powermeter/. Anything Newton could do to encourage our local electricity monopoly to support this effort would be fantastic.
Shawn,
We are moving ahead with an application for the Google high-speed fiber project. I have added you to the email chain discussing the RFI application. Anyone else who wants to get involved should email me at ken@kenparker.org.
Thanks,
Ken