Universities launch high-speed network project

{mosads}The universities hope the project will attract high-tech start-ups to their communities and accelerate the deployment of next-generation networks around the country.

The coalition includes Arizona State University, the University of Chicago, Duke University, the University of Florida, George Mason University, Howard University, the University of Michigan and the University of Washington.

“In order for research universities and communities to grow and prosper together, we need access to the same technology,” said Elias Eldayrie, chief information officer at the University of Florida. “Ultra-high-speed broadband is the new baseline; it’s where UF and Gainesville need to be so that we can compete together with the best the world has to offer.”

According to Gig.U’s website, the potential revenue for ultra-high-speed broadband is not currently enough to meet the high costs of building the networks. But university communities are prime areas to test the technology because the demand for fast access is high and the costs are low.

The coalition will seek funding from nonprofits and corporations that have an interest in developing high-speed networks.

Government officials and telecommunication companies praised the announcement.

“I am pleased that these institutions are now organizing to work with industry to bring the benefits of high-speed networks to their surrounding communities,” said Lawrence E. Strickling, National Telecommunications and Information Administrator at the Commerce Department. “This is exactly the kind of collaborative, creative approach we need to solve America’s broadband challenge.”

Walter McCormick, president of the U.S. Telecom Association, a trade group of telecommunication companies, said: “Our companies value our partnerships with universities and anchor institutions, and welcome new ideas like Gig.U to create test beds for the development of next-generation applications that will drive increasing use of broadband connections and emphasize the value of broadband investment to our economy.”