Tech with Tom: Get your Google on

Editor’s note: Tech with Tom Kirkham is intended to provide practical information about a wide range of electronic products, software and communication issues. Tom has promised to use layman terms, where possible, and to avoid geeky acronyms unless using said acronyms are the build up to an off-color joke built largely around sophomoric innuendo. Seriously, this should be good stuff and it will post on Fridays (barring any breaking news from Steve Jobs or elsewhere in the Tech world). Enjoy.

As we mentioned here, here, here and here, Google’s Fiber for Communities project is getting a lot of attention from hundreds if not thousands of communities around the country. And they aren’t just sending in the application. They are being creative and passionate about pursuing the dream of having huge Internet pipes with amazing speed going into the homes of citizens in their community.

Communities are making videos, building forums, and launching Web sites to drive both local support for the project and to get the attention of Google. Cities such as Sarasota, Durham, Duluth and Topeka are pushing hard to rise above the others in this Google fiber race.

What about our area?

The City Wire recently sat down with Russell Gibson, director of IT-GIS for the city of Fort Smith, and over a sandwich and salad and discussed the city’s plans. At the time of our meeting, Russell was a one-man army working on the Google Request for Information (RFI) application, and seeking to get the Fort Smith Board of Directors to issue a resolution to “support, endorse and encourage” responding to the application and project. The board unanimously approved the resolution.

The application is a bit more onerous, asking such questions as the number of telephone poles, linear feet of conduit owned or controlled, and average amount of rainfall per year. Gibson assures us that the application will be complete and submitted by the deadline of 7 p.m. today (March 26).

Google expects community support, not just an RFI response from the local government. The “Fort Google” group, of which I am a member, has launched a Facebook page, and will soon launch a Web site. Lea Taylor, Jeff Smith and Young Emerging Leaders young emerged leader Travis Lea are working to bring attention to the city’s effort, and raise community support and awareness of the initiative. The group is also working on a video to be posted on the Google-owned YouTube Web site.

The City Wire asked the Fort Google committee some questions:

TCW: Why do you think it is important to get in the game?
“There will be those who say we have a snowball’s chance in a sauna to get Google Fiber. But, we should make an effort! What message are we sending to our community and to those who would be interested in becoming part of our community if we don’t even believe enough in ourselves to try? So often, it is in trying to achieve the impossible that defines who you are.”

TCW: Why is it important for community involvement in seeking Google Fiber for Communities for Fort Smith?
“Two reasons. First, it shows that as a community, we are welcoming Google’s investment in Fort Smith. It shows them that while there may be political figureheads in other cities across the U.S. who are doing stunts (in the middle of an election year, mind you) to attract attention; here in Fort Smith, it’s a grass roots people-driven movement. It is not a political campaign. It’s a real and earnest desire from the individuals who make up this community that we want Google here.”

TCW: Why do you think we need 1Gb Internet access?
“Fort Smith has long said that it would like to diversify its profile. We’re a strong manufacturing community. That fact has and will continue to be a wonderful thing for our regional economy. But, imagine the kind of tech companies just waiting to relocate to the city or cities that receive the 1Gb access! We’ll have the potential to keep Ivey Owen busy for quite some time!”

TCW: Why do you think the Fort Smith region is a good candidate?
“Many of the industries we have here in Fort Smith are here because even by car, you are one day away from some of the major metropolitan hubs for the United States. These industries have corporate headquarters scattered all across the U.S. and abroad. In addition to that, we have some amazing talent in Fort Smith. So, simply by making one investment in Fort Smith, Google can make a global impact and tap into a wealth of creative resources.”

TCW: What do you plan to do that is unique or creative to get Google’s attention?
“There are many projects the committee has put together to garner some attention from Google. My personal favorite is the viral video series. In addition, I would encourage everyone to join the (Facebook) and the Twitter pages to show your support for this project. Again, we are unique because this is a grass roots campaign. So, if we can show massive support simply by directing Google to our FB Fan Page — it will put the punctuation on that remark in the form of an exclamation point.”

The Fort Google group encourages everyone and especially civic leaders to not only become a fan of the Facebook page, but to also nominate the community on Google’s Fiber for Communities web site. Here is the link. Do it now.

Notes on Tom
Tom Kirkham is the publisher and co-owner of The City Wire. Tom also is host of the Tom Kirkham Show on Newstalk KWHN 1320 AM, which airs each Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. He also owns and operates Kirkham Systems, a computer, communication and networking company. Tom has more than 20 years of experience in business and technology, and claims to be a photographer, jazz lover, Cajun food expert and dog rancher.

You can reach Tom at [email protected]