What do supercomputing, advanced technology, history, education, and a high speed internet network have in common? The answer is Frederick, Maryland, USA and Google.
The City of Frederick has applied to Google to be considered for an ultra-high speed broadband network trial. Google is planning to launch an experiment to make Internet access better and faster for everyone. They plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Their networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home and workplace connections. They will offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.
One aspect that Google is interested in is community support. There is an opportunity for citizens and organizations to participate and learn more by becoming a fan of the Frederick-Google Facebook Fan Page.
Mayor Randy McClement states that "we are hopeful that Google will make history here in Frederick with a state-of-the-art, high speed internet network to fuel creativity, innovation, education, and entrepreneurial activity." See Mayor McClement's video endorsing this project.
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley endorsed Frederick's bid to be selected with a short video.
See
a short economic development video overview of Frederick.
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One of America's great small cities - established in1745 - Frederick, Maryland is bullish that Google - the world's dominant internet search engine- will make
Why? Because Frederick is one of the finest examples in the country blending history and technology. At its core is Downtown Frederick - a stunning, award-winning, 40-square block historic district and riverwalk that is the hub of arts, government, and commerce. Downtown is surrounded by advanced technology, attractive neighborhoods, parks, blue-ribbon schools, colleges, a municipal airport, a high tech business incubator, and a highly educated population.
Part of the Maryland Biotech cluster, Frederick is the second largest city in the state with a population of 60,000 people, 3,500 businesses, and nearly 49,000 employees. It is the proud home of Francis Scott Key, the National Cancer Institute, the Fort Detrick National Interagency Biodefense Campus, minor league baseball, Bechtel, and BP Solar.
Frederick is a renaissance town - defined by arts and science - a community that knows how to put high-speed internet to the test. From school science projects, to gallery art show openings, to Frederick Memorial Hospital lab tests, to the National Cancer Institute Nanotech Characterization Labs and Supercomputing center, Frederick depends on its internet networks. Whether it is IT employees hanging out in the downtown wi-fi area along Carroll Creek Park or bio employees connecting over a pint of cold Flying Dog ale at monthly BioBeers, Frederick depends on internet access.
Frederick has several hundred miles of publically maintained roads across its 22 square miles. Google can hang its highspeed network on utility poles in the public right of way or pull it though conduits in newer neighborhoods. It can participate in the development of world-class mixed-use infill neighborhoods as part of a major initiative known as East Frederick Rising.
For More Information Contact:
Richard Griffin, AICP, CEcD
Director of Economic Development
The City of Frederick
301-600-6361
rgriffin@cityoffrederick.com