U-M and A2 Team to Pursue the Google Ultra High Speed Internet Project

"The city of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan are teaming up to meet Google's March 26 deadline to complete a Request for Information as part of the Internet search company's Fiber for Communities effort." ... The University of Michigan is throwing its muscle power behind efforts to convince Google to select Ann Arbor as the site for its ultra high-speed Internet demonstration project. U-M issued a news release today calling for Ann Arbor residents to mobilize through various social media platforms to wage a campaign to win the Internet project. ... U-M, Ann Arbor city officials and local business officials are collaborating to lobby Google in hopes of winning the project, which would serve between 50,000 and 500,000 users.

Aside from faster and better Internet for residents and students, a Google fiber optic network in Ann Arbor would make the area even more desirable for companies wanting to relocate. Faster connectivity coupled with the city's highly educated population and its long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship could be a catalyst for retaining talent and business in the region. "The University of Michigan is working closely with industry, government and other universities to catalyze Michigan's transformation to a new, more diverse and dynamic economy," said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. "Access to ultrahigh-speed broadband networks in our area would be a significant spur to communication, cooperation and innovation in our community and beyond."