GREENSBORO, N.C.—
Google is looking for cities to start building an announced nationwide, ultra high-speed fiber optic internet network, and the City of Greensboro is ready to pay to bring the technology to the Triad.Google says its new network will offer internet connections up to 100 times faster than any other network in the broadband market, and the City of Greensboro has launched Operation Google to convince Google to build in Greensboro.
Greensboro City Council allocated $50,000 for Operation Google, which the city will use to market the city in its application to Google.
"We're looking forward to answering the question 'why does Greensboro need Google?' and 'why does Google need Greensboro?'" said Greensboro Assistant City Manager Denise Turner.
All the attention on Google has the city's other internet providers taking notice.
"The bottom line is competition is always going to be there. We're always going to look for ways to create value and the best services available for our customers." said Scott Pryzwanski with Time Warner Cable.
AT&T is currently developing its own fiber optic network, U-verse, in Greensboro.
"We are proud to bring our advanced, all-IP U-verse high speed internet service to more households at an aggressive pace, complementing our traditional broadband service and offering even faster speeds and more integrated services." AT&T said in a statement to FOX8.
The City of Greensboro is seeking public input to come up with ideas for the city's application. Operation Googe's first public forum will be Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Greensboro City Council chambers.
The deadline to apply to Google is March 26.
