The Topeka Google Fiber Experiment

Wow, it has been way too long since I posted an update. No better time than now and no issue cooler than this:

Google recently announced plans to bring high-speed fiber optic Internet to a community (free of charge), in hopes of learning how to “make Internet access better and faster for everyone.”

Overnight, the Facebook page, Bring Google’s Fiber Experiment to Topeka, was created. At the time of this posting the group’s membership tallys 2100+. Facebook isn’t the only web-based media that is being utilized to spread the possibilities the Google Fiber Experiment could bring to Topeka. The Think Big Topeka.com website was created as an online meeting space, primarily for non-FB users, to share ideas, learn more about the Topeka Google Fiber Experiment and nominate Topeka. The hashtag: #1G4Topeka, is also being used on Twitter.

Locally, the radio talk show, On The Other Hand with Raubin and Megan (AM 580 WIBW), has sung the praises of this grassroots effort and shared some ideas on what this could bring to Topeka. In addition, a local television station, WIBW, has provided some free ad space for the Think Big Topeka.com website.

On an individual level, interested citizens have taken to scheduling small informal meetings and get-togethers to introduce the Google Fiber Experiment to others and encourage and provide them an opportunity to submit a nomination for Topeka. A recurring theme of these small meetings is, “No one is in charge of this. Go out and spread the word. Do what you will.” As the Think Big Topeka.com website states, “…post it, blog it, tweet it, email it, YouTube it, say it – do whatever you can to help us get the word out!”

And get the word out we must.

Several other cities across the country are also vying for a chance to be the Google Fiber Experiment city. For example, in cities such as Baton Rouge, LA, FB is also being used to spread the word about the Google Fiber Experiment. The Baton Rouge FB page was even recently noted (Topeka too) in an article at Businessreport.com. At posting, the Baton Rouge FB group now has 1800+ members! Also, Duluth, MN has issued a press release with the backing of their mayor to deliver to Google.

So please, take some time and read about this experiment from Google. More importantly take a few minutes (’cause that’s all it takes) and nominate our great city. High-speed fiber Internet could provide so many opportunities for our schools, our businesses, our churches, our families.

Let your imagination run with this one.