Bandwidth, as it applies to computer networking, is an enabling resource. That is, as bandwidth grows, so do the possible applications of that bandwidth. In the very early dial-up days, when modems ran at 300 baud, you would literally watch characters slowly paint across the screen; the idea of downloading a photograph or watching a movie over a phone line was completely foreign. Plus, there were very few people to share information with. Only a handful of people had computers compared to today, and even fewer had the hardware and expertise to connect to others over a network.
What’s changed since the early days is that bandwidth has grown, and access to the Internet has become more widespread and varied. That means there are more people to share with, and more ways to share your content with them. Email, Bittorrent, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, AIM & MSN, YouTube, Flickr… with ubiquitous and fast network access, people are empowered to connect with others on a level previously inconceivable.
Which brings us to the point of this entry.
From the Google Fiber for Communities web page:
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.
From now until March 26th, we’re asking interested municipalities to provide us with information about their communities through a Request for information (RFI), which we’ll use to determine where to build our network.
What this means is, Google is proposing to build a VERY FAST network somewhere in the U.S. They will be investing a lot of money (even for Google) to build this network. And we feel that Celebration’s residents, schools, hospital, and businesses, as well as Google itself, could greatly benefit from our community being chosen.
If you agree, and would like to help Celebration be chosen as one of the trial sites, you can help! You don’t have to live here, you just need a few free minutes and the desire to push this forward.
GOOGLE FORM INSTRUCTIONS
(courtesy keithbarrett.com)
1. You first need to have a google email account. If you don’t have one you can create one then discard and never use it — it’s just needed for the form. To create this account, go to http://mail.google.com/mail/signup and fill in the information.
2. Make sure you’re signed into your gmail account.
3. Go to http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options and select “Nominate your community”
4. Now you can enter your information and answer the questions:
Your name: (enter your name)
Your organization or community group: Celebration Resident Owner Association
If you are responding on behalf of an organization or community group, please describe it: Residents and businesses of Celebration Florida
City: Celebration
State: FL
Why should Google build a fiber to the home network where you live? I’m not a resident, but I’m submitting in support of the residents and town of Celebration FL because … (follow with why YOU believe Celebration should win this contract and/or why it would be beneficial to Google. Note you are limited to only 400 characters total here)
Web link to supporting material: If you have any videos or blog entries in support of this, enter the URL here
The next several questions are geared toward residents, You’ve already indicated you’re not a resident so just fill them out as follows…
What kind of Internet services are available where you live? Check DSL and Cable
What kind of Internet service do you primarily use at home? Cable Modem
What is the advertised speed of your home Internet service? ‘Don’t Know’
What is your actual download speed during the evening? ‘Don’t Know’
What is your actual upload speed during the evening? ‘Don’t Know’
How much does your Internet service cost per month? $40 – $60
Is your Internet service ‘bundled’ with other services like TV and phone? Yes
How many times in the last month did your high-‐speed Internet service not work correctly, slow down, or frustrate you? Never, it’s great (or if you actually have Comcast cable broadband then enter in your own personal satisfaction with their service)
Describe the quality of your home Internet service customer support: N/A
What would you like to see improved about your current service? Check all 4 boxes
Once you have filled out the form hit the gray “Send nomination” button.
