A.G. Gancarski
On Wednesday afternoon, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Council President Greg Anderson said Google is considering Jacksonville for “ultra-high-speed Internet access” via Google Fiber.
This was billed in advance as a “significant announcement” regarding advancement in Jacksonville’s tech infrastructure, one with tangible results in economic development.
With local luminaries such as Susie Wiles, Michael Munz and other key Curry supporters in attendance, even before the announcement, it was clear that big news would be announced.
Curry laid the need out simply. For many applications, Jacksonville’s current capabilities just aren’t enough.
Google Fiber, he said, would “enhance speed up to 85 times faster,” which would be a “big deal on the economic front” and “make Jacksonville a destination city.”
As a representative from Google said, the company is exploring bringing Google Fiber to Jacksonville. She noted that the United States ranks 20th globally in average connection speed.
There is no concrete timetable as of yet for implementation; over the next few months, the company will work with the mayor’s team, developing a planning process and discerning next steps.
Curry noted that “Google came in with a really thorough plan.”
“We’re in the sweet spot here,” Curry said, noting that connectivity is “so important for quality of life” of Jacksonville residents.
“This is a statement about the future of Jacksonville,” Curry said.
The Google rep noted that in Kansas City, no public funds were used.
Google Fiber is in Kansas City, Provo, and Austin already. Rollouts announced today included Jacksonville, Tampa, and Oklahoma City.
