TOWNS & UNC Seek Input on Google Ultra High Speed Project for Our Community
 
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  On Feb. 10, Google announced the initiative to deploy and test fiber optic networks that will deliver Internet services at a speed of 1 gigabit per second, which is more than 100 times faster than the speeds available to most Americans today. The communities selected by Google will be "testbed" communities that will help demonstrate the new capabilities enabled by faster and better broadband access.
 
Google will pay for the construction and operation of the networks and will charge customers competitive rates for the service.
 
 
 
Google's search for the perfect town for its ultra-high speed Internet project has generated a lot of news since they announced the initiative a month ago. 
 
Recognizing the value of collaboration in putting together a strong proposal, UNC and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are teaming up to demonstrate the deep interest in this project and the spirit of collaboration in our community. Besides the great benefit to business, economic development and the home user, ultra-high speed bandwidth will enable new consumer applications, as well as medical, educational and other services.
 
Residents, businesses, and community and University groups are encouraged to provide input on this process. Enthusiastic community support for the project is vital to its success. A critical component of the application is specific ideas on how the community will make use of the high-speed Internet. 
 
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
 
--TONIGHT - Monday, March 15 at 7 PM there will be a joint public forum at the Chapel Hill Town Hall to elicit community feedback.  Everyone is encouraged to come out to share your ideas and support. 
 
 
 
--Take an online survey at- www.surveymonkey.com/s/QLM5QST. The survey is being used to gauge public opinion for the project and to receive ideas and comments for the application. Survey questions were taken from the Google Request for Information guidelines.
 
--Submit your ideas to the joint team preparing the application at google@townofchapelhill.org.  
 
-- Nominate Chapel Hill and Carrboro
directly to Google.
 
 
 
The application is due March 26.  The process is highly competitive with communities all over the country vying to be the winner. 
For complete details visit : http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?recordid=1579&page=22.
 
 
 
The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is charged with leading and managing downtown.  We build human and financial resources through partnership efforts; we market and promote the assets of downtown; we improve the visual appeal of downtown; and we rebuild downtown as a mixed use center of retail, service, professional, governmental, institutional, and residential uses. Visit www.DowntownChapelHill.com!  Contact us at 919-967-9440 or partnership@downtownchapelhill.com.