Google is soliciting RFI to provide select communities in the US with super high-speed internet access. They are only taking applications up to March 28th.

I am sure there is pressure from the local networking monopolies not to pursue this and simply look at funneling cash from the taxpayers in the form of stimulus funds. And, the report of efforts to do this by OSHEAN in the Projo are here:  http://bit.ly/aHHdf7

But, it would be a shame if entities such as RIEDC do not take advantage of *all* of the opportunities available for partnering and developing Rhode Island's information infrastructure.

I think Newport and Aquidneck Island could have a good very chance at getting this. It would be a *huge* benefit to the  local and state economy.

Responses to Google's RFI must be submitted through the interactive response forms found on their website. In order to respond to this RFI, you will have two options:

i. Full community response by a local government interested in having its community serve as a trial location.

ii. Other interested parties and non-governmental respondents, explaining why the trial should be held in the respondent's community.

Newport is already well know and well branded. Endorsement from Newport Hospital, Salve, War College, City of Newport, the Libraries, the Preservation Society, and some of the many commercial high tech interests would generate dynamic broad-based appeal.

They are only taking applications up to March 28th. So, the time is now to push this through.

http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/overview

Video overview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wusklcNKDZc