Even with the recent failure of Google Fiber in Kansas, the news that Google Fiber is coming to Tampa lit up the local community with speculations on their technology and economic development. There is nothing sure yet so it remains to be seen if this is the development that the innovation community has been looking for.
If Tampa will get Google Fiber, it automatically puts the city in the ranks of emerging markets like Kansas City and Austin, Biz Journals reported. Tech advocate Ken Evans of Evolution Advisers says that "It does not make us a tech hub, but it certainly elevates us and our economic potential."
Others echo the same sentiment. Tech entrepreneur Mark Swanson, CEO of Lane Five Ventures and leader of the the Thunderdome project in Tampa, says that it is marketing validation on their part. He adds that many tech startups moved to Kansas as a result of their super-fast internet.
Swanson says, "There was a synergy and buzz around Kansas City that didn't exist before and the same thing is true here." He adds, "I think it helps link us better to Silicon Valley."
The same buzz is also happening in the two other cities. Google came out with a statement saying, "These growing tech-hubs have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to small business growth,"
BGR quoted the tech giant as well, "Their list of accolades is long - from Jacksonville's title as a top 10 city for tech jobs, to Tampa Bay's #2 spot on the list of best cities for young entrepreneurs, to Oklahoma City's recognition as the #1 city to launch a business."
Google goes on to say that "One of our goals is to make sure speed isn't an accidental ceiling for how people and businesses use the Web, and these cities are the perfect places to show what's possible with gigabit Internet."
Tech Crunch says that while the offer is not random, the chosen cities must still fulfill a list of requirements before gigabyte internet can be enjoyed by the community. Check out the actual checklist here.
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