Triangle Makes a Play to Land Google Fiber

By Desiree Parker Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Historic Triangle was the site of the first permanent settlement in America, and now it’s looking to be the first to land a coveted partnership with Google to test out the nation’s fastest ultra-broadband network.

Last month Google announced it was soliciting localities around the country to find the best place to test out a new ultra-fast broadband network that will be 100 times faster than current broadband connections. Many cities around the nation have entered the contest so far – including Topeka, Kansas, which has temporarily changed its name to Google, Kansas – but the Historic Triangle localities have banded together and think they have a shot at the prize. They still need help from residents, though, who can contact Google and make a case for coming to the area.

“We’re doing this because we want to experiment with new ways to make the web better and faster for everyone, allowing applications that will be impossible today,” Google Product Manager James Kelly said in a video explaining the contest.

“This kind of connectivity would transform the way information is broadcast, and Williamsburg offers outstanding educational, cultural and high-tech infrastructure in addition to a citizenry who have expressed through citizen surveys their interest in expanding the use and availability of broadband,” according to the city’s press release about the contest.

Any city, county, military base or reservation can apply to partner with Google and offer their area as the free testing spot for the network. Google is looking for an area with between 50,000 and 500,000 people, a sound infrastructure that will make the process easier, and good support from the community. Otherwise, there are few restrictions to the criteria for entry.

According to a Kate Hoving, communications director for the city of Williamsburg, the Triangle has a history of collaborating since the region pulled together for the 2007 celebration, and the area is relying on this connection to make it more attractive to Google. “They really want a community that has a good partnership and support structure,” she says, “and we’ll have a stronger case if we work together.”

The localities were waiting a bit to get more information about the criteria before they decided to apply, but they’re ready to do it now and are collaborating to get the required information together in the hopes of enticing one of the nation’s most innovative companies.

According to Sandy Wanner, James City County administrator and chairman of the Historic Triangle Collaborative, “this would be really great for the region, and I think the theme is really right on target … and will really resonate.” He says members are looking forward to working in their respective roles in their main organizations to help promote the area.

James City County spokeswoman Jody Puckett says the Triangle wants to “play up the idea that this area was the site of the first permanent English settlement, plus our involvement in the revolution,” and use that to help make the area appealing. “Williamsburg led the American Revolution in the 18th century and is the perfect community to lead the Information Revolution in the 21st,” the joint press release reads.

The most important thing she thinks Google will look at, though, is the infrastructure of the area. “They’re interested in the bottom line – building this in the most expedient and efficient way,” Puckett says.

The Triangle localities are also working to produce a short video to go along with the application, which will be complete in a few weeks. The deadline for applications is March 26.

The Triangle is reaching out to residents, too, to make the case for Google’s project to come to town. “Confident in the talent and creativity in the Williamsburg area, the municipalities encourage local institutions, organizations and residents to support the application online,” according to the press release, which directs citizens to the Google nomination Web site. It's not just a form where supporters can leave written comment; there's also an option to send in video clips explaining why your area would be the best place for the project.