Ann Arbor is abuzz with talk of A2 Fiber. I first heard about A2 Fiber when Facebook suggested I become a fan of the A2 Fiber Facebook page. I wondered what this was and why all my friends were “fanning” it. Google Fiber is a plan to create an ultra-high speed broadband network in a number of carefully selected communities across the United States. This broadband network promises to deliver data at 1 gigabit per second; almost 100 times faster than the average American’s current cable or DSL provider connection. While at work I am extremely connected through Pure Visibility but away from the office I rely on coffee shops, the library and other hotspots for my internet because I find the monthly rates to be too high – Google Fiber might be able to change all this . . .

Ann Arbor is extremely enthusiastic about being included in this Google Fiber experiment. The University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor have partnered to fill out Google’s request for information. Ann Arbor would be the perfect place for Google to run one of their Fiber networks. Google plans to “offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people” which will make a huge impact to these individuals but the greater long-term impacts are huge.

By offering “affordable” internet they’ll break up the current monopoly large providers have over certain geographic areas. It’s not a good thing if there is only one broadband provider. The network of fiber could be opened to other providers giving small local companies the option of offering their own services at affordable rates. Google’s “competitive” pricing for their Fiber network would be significantly lower than what most Ann Arborites are paying and the quality of the connection would be far faster.

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking on Web Analytics to Katherine Lawrence’s SI 422 – Evaluation of Systems and Services course at University of Michigan. I was very impressed by the course syllabus, and the interest level of the students in the specifics of web tracking and analysis. Here are some thought’s on what makes this class a good model for undergrad courses in information science:
Read More

Everyone keeps asking me “What do you think about Google moving to Ann Arbor?” and I absolutely love this opportunity from several different angles.

1. I predict this to be a new movement for Michigan. From automotive to technology! Will that shake some boots up….Yes. But I come from a generation where I think the automotive community needs to move faster. Rev up their engines and focus on building for the future towards “Green” – Blue Tooth compatible vehicles. Not bigger Hummer’s! Hopefully the automotive community will embrace this opportunity to tap into the future.
2. For the Midwest – this will finally bring us up to speed. When I was in Seattle – for just a short visit – I fell in love with how “fast” and “forward thinking” everyone was.
3. Search rocks – and now Google will be tapping into the geekiest people in our Ann Arbor community – the University of Michigan. I am sure the SI group is beside themselves in excitement.:)
4. More technology companies will move to Ann Arbor just to get cozier with Google.
5. As for my search engine marketing company – I just love Google, all of our Pay per click managers are Google Adwords Certified and well…I just love Google!!

The announcement occured on my Birthday – it was the best birthday gift ever!