TECHNOLOGY TIPS - GOOGLE VS. COMCAST?
Google is once again challenging the status quo. They are planning to build, and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country. The Evanston community has put in their bid.
Back on February 10th, Google submitted a RFI (Request for Information) to find out which communities would like to test their new proposed infrastructure which will deliver one gigabyte speeds to Internet users. The service will utilize fiber optics. The RFI response deadline is this Friday, March 26.
The overall goal of this program is to create new ways to access the Internet with higher speeds. Depending on how the fiber networks are integrated in the chosen communities, Google anticipates sharing all they've learned about the deployment with the world. They embrace an "open access" network philosophy, which will create direct competition with our local provider Comcast. Google will also challenge developers to test the capacity of the networks " whether it's creating new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services, or other uses we can't yet imagine."
Time will tell how this new program will perform. If the anticipated success comes to fruition then the options and capacity for Internet access will be dramatically changed.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
