Knoxville battles other cities to partner with Google for faster Internet

Knoxville battles other cities to partner with Google for faster Internet

By ANN KEIL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Knoxville and other communities around the country are competing for the attention of Internet search giant Google.

They all hope Google will choose them to participate in a pilot project that would build a high-speed, fiber-optic Internet service.

"It's a great opportunity for any city to be able to receive this kind of service for its citizens," says Bill Lyons, city of Knoxville senior director of policy and communications.

Lyons says they discovered Google's Fiber for Communities program soon after it was announced in an online video.

Topeka, Kansas went to the extreme of temporarily renaming the city "Google," Kansas.

The city of Sarasota, Florida renamed an island off the coast "Google Island," and the mayor of Duluth, Minnesota jumped into the icy-cold waters of Lake Superior.

Google claims the program would offer Internet access that's 100 times faster than what the majority of people across the U.S. have.

Lyons says Knoxville wants to partner with Google, but officials won't turn their response into a public relations campaign. 

"I think Knoxville will offer a very diverse group across all areas, socio-economically, in terms of occupation, and creative approach that we think will be more important to them than hoopla or a cheerleading campaign," Lyons explains.

The Internet search giant will offer fiber-to-home connections, which would make surfing the web easier, improve video quality and much more.

Claris Networks is a Knoxville-based tech company that manages networks and computers for private companies.

"You could literally have doctors in other cities collaborating together on your patient records," says Claris manager of product development Dan Thompson.

Cities and towns have until March 26 to apply.

Lyons says for Knoxville to be chosen would be a statement in itself. Plus, he says there are long term benefits.

"It's a big plus for attracting small businesses or large corporations or individuals who want to start up a business," Lyons says.

Cities and towns across the U.S. with a population between 50,000 and 500,000 are eligible for the experimental program.

Individuals can also nominate their communities. Click here to nominate Knoxville.

Google will announce the community or communities chosen sometime this year.