The very first thing I would like to say about this post is that I’m NOT AGAINST this project but am skeptical about it. I’m a huge advocate for high speed internet in every location of the country and world for that matter. I’m just rather confused about how Duluth, MN and Superior, WI are going about pitching this. I have yet to see a specific or solid reason as to why Google should pick the Twin Ports. Some of the questions that I would like answered are:
- How much will this cost the Twin Ports? – Duluth Mayor Don Ness stated that it wouldn’t cost anything.
- Will Google use local companies to install the fiber?
- Will this create new jobs?
- Will these be long term sustainable jobs?
- Besides the high speed internet, what incentives do companies have to relocate to the Twin Ports to setup shop?
- Tax incentives – lower taxes or no taxes.
- Will the Twin Ports support small business development?
- Will small business be able to get reasonable loans with reasonable rates?
- Are the local hospitals (i.e. St. Lukes, St. Mary’s, and etc) sending or receiving MRI files or anything of that nature that require a large bandwidth pipe? Are there other companies that needs a large bandwidth pipe?
- Is the current internet speed hindering companies in any way? Examples please!
This is pure speculation – Are the Twin Ports using this as an opportunity to use the community for pledges and community service? It might be belittling but I think that but there is a lot of push to show your support through volunteerism and pledging money. WAIT! – I thought that Google was doing this? So, why the push to donate time and money? – Oh… to show that the Twin Ports is worthy of the high speed fiber. Will the pledges and volunteerism continue if they win the fiber race?
Once again, please tell me WHY the Twin Ports is a prime location. The answer provided by here are not sufficient.
Additional Resources:
http://blog.google.twinports.coop/
