Region competes for Google network

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By Arundi Venkayya Cox, Business Editor 10:41 PM Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Dayton region has been the test market for many inventions.

Now, the community has the opportunity to be the proving ground for an ultra-high speed network. That could mean Internet connectivity at 100 times the speed we currently are able to access information.

A new campaign launched this week at www.averageandawesome.com is part of a competition to be a Google trial location for the network. Google has said they will select “a small number of trial locations across the country” to build and test the networks. To show support for the Dayton region’s effort, visit the Web site and click on the “Head Count of Supporters” button.

The words average and awesome highlight that the Dayton region represents a cross-section of the country. For example, Bob Evans and Fazoli’s prototyped new concept restaurants here, said Ann Gallaher, chief operating officer of Technology First, which is leading the effort with the Dayton Development Coalition.

The Web site says, “From pioneering flight with the Wright brothers over 100 years ago to RFID, Advanced Health Sciences and crazy micro air vehicles the size of flies, there’s always something new and innovative being created in the Dayton Region. It’s just the way we think. We’re on a mission here to be the World’s Proving Grounds. So, what would we do with you and a gigabit fiber network? Who knows. But if history repeats itself (and it sure seems to around here), it’s sure to be awesome.”

The network would be a paid residential service but could have many implications for businesses if the Dayton region is selected, Gallaher said. The implications could be far reaching — including potentially bringing more jobs here.

“It could be a huge broadband investment in our community,” Gallaher said. “It would put us on the map as a technology hub. Google might bring data centers or employees here — you just never know.

“If they (businesses) could connect into this network, it would provide a lot of opportunity for innovation here. ”

The region could be a great fit for the test, Gallaher added. “You can get things done,” Gallaher said. “We have a history of collaboration and we are open to new ideas.”

Applications are due to Google by Friday, March 26. Many other communities throughout Ohio and the nation are competing.

“There’s really a cry and a demand for this,” she said. “This could be a $60 million investment in the community.”

As of Friday evening, there were nearly 3,400 supporters at www.averageandawesome.com.

Arundi venkayya cox

Business editor

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