Wake Forest, along with Duke University, N.C. State University and UNC Chapel Hill, are establishing the N.C. Next Generation Network (NC NGN) as part of the GiG.U initiative involving 37 universities nationwide. The initiative has drawn more than $200 million in private investment funding.

The goal is enticing an Internet service provider (ISP) to offer ultra high-speed wireless service up to 100 times faster than typically available, with a potential cost of $70 to $100 a month. Providers would design, build, operate and own the network.

The initiative is patterned after the Google ultra high-speed project in Kansas City, Mo.

Thanks to Jon Lowder for the link.

Neither the City of GSO or the two large state universities here seem to be associated with the effort. How do we find out if we want to be included, and if so, get included?

Previously.

Comments

[Jon Lowder]

Update for you Ed. Today's W-S Journal reports that W-S City Council unanimously approved participation in the NC Next Generation Network:

http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/article_844af734-6511-11e2-be7b-0019bb30f31a.html

The city council also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city’s participation in the N.C. Next Generation Network program. The program is seeking proposals from telecommunications companies for high-speed broadband services throughout the region, specifically in Winston-Salem. The program is being established by Wake Forest University, Duke University, N.C. State University and UNC Chapel Hill as part of the GiG.U initiative, which involves 37 other universities nationwide.

The goal of the program is to offer high-speed wireless service at affordable prices – about $100 a month – by building fiber networks to homes or business with speeds of one gigabit or higher per second on a wired, symmetric service. The proposal also calls for the provider to offer a slower high-speed service at a lower price for digitally disadvantaged homes. Getting the network could offer the city competitive advantages in attracting future businesses to the city.

City council members will be provided updates on the proposal and will ultimately determine whether to enter any agreements.