Duluth is having some fun in the race to get Google’s attention as the computer behemoth plans to test ultra-fast broadband networks in cities around the country.
The annnouncment has led to some creative, and a bit goofy, antics from communities interested in the project.
Topeka, Kan., renamed itself — temporarily — Google, Kan. And now Sarasota, Fla., is changing the name of its City Island to Google Island.
Duluth put out an over-the-top parody press release on YouTube, promising that every first-born male living in the city will be known as Google Fiber, and first-born females will be Google-ette Fiber. They can keep their last names.
The city is drumming up support at a website designed to prove its undying love for the project.
Google said it expects to bring high-speed Internet service (with speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second) to between 50,000 and 500,000 people, and asked that local governments and residents nominate their communities as trial locations.
Other cities in the hunt include Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Rochester, N.Y., and 200 Facebook groups are dedicated to bringing Google Fiber to communities all over the United States, including Las Vegas, Detroit, and Boise, Idaho.
Duluth had been making its pitch in conjunction with sister-city Superior, Wis., hence the joint website at GoogleTwinPorts.com, but Wisconsin Public Radio is reporting today that Superior is dropping out, leaving Duluth on its own, and maybe needing a new website — GoogleLonePort.com?
Joe,
I didn’t hear the WPR story, but I think there was just some confusion about the application process. Superior wanted to choose the best approach to minimize and concerns about interstate jusrisdictios with rights-of-way and the like. SO they had some different ideas about what would be best for both communities in terms of HOW to apply, but there was never a question about WHETHER or not Superior was “on board” so to speak.
Nick LaFave of Fox 21 in Duluth just sent out this tweet/facebook msg confirming that. He says more details are forthcoming:
http://www.facebook.com/NickNews/posts/351717796885
So yep, it’s still Twin Ports google. Thanks for the story.
Google should get the Twin Ports on the fiber link ASAP. When the Twin Ports get this new technology the rest of the states, Midwest, and nation will follow. The Twin Ports will be a great test bed for Google.
Also, who was that guy with the “you betcha” Nordic accent. He should be running for Governor. His “Up North’ levity might liven up St. Paul and the Capitol bunch. [chuckle]