COLUMBIA— Cities around the U.S. have until March 26 to tell Google if they are interested in becoming part of its new program that would bring new Internet connections 100 times faster than most services to communities.
Local businesses are among those showing interest in the 1-gigabit-per-second trial service.
Although a response from state, county or city governments is required for consideration, residents and local groups can show their support on the program's Web site.
Cities are responding to this call for candidates in a variety of ways. For the month, Topeka, Kan., has changed its name to "Google, Kansas" in hopes of becoming a candidate for Google's pilot program. On the other hand, Columbians have joined together in groups on social networking sites such as Facebook.
Ian Eyberg, a 26-year-old software developer, co-created a group called CoMo Fiber in response to the opportunity. He said the fiber-optic Internet would force other service providers such as Mediacom and CenturyLink to upgrade services.
What can be done to bring Google fiber-optic Internet to Columbia?