The Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) is inviting Google to build their “Fiber to Communities” ultra high-speed network in every corner of Vermont.

“An ultra high-speed statewide network would be a huge economic development opportunity for our state. Submitting a statewide application will set Vermont apart from the 1,000’s of community applications that Google will likely receive. While success is a real long shot, we believe that Vermont has a great story to tell and this application may accelerate the goal to make Vermont an ‘e-state’. Vermont’s innovation culture, the quality of life and strong education system, will set Vermont apart from the other applicants. Plus, building a high-speed network around mountains and to remote, currently unserved, towns will make a very large statement.” said Thomas Murray, Executive Director of the VTA.

Google has put out a Request for Information (RFI) looking for communities in which it will launch its “Fiber for Communities” pilot project. The project aims to build, at Google’s expense, an ultra high-speed (one gigabit to the residence) fiber network in one or several communities that will reach between 50,000 and 500,000 residences within the year. The following link gives Google’s description of the project:

http://www.google.com/app serve/fiberrfi. Google does not intend to provide service to consumers. They will operate a wholesale network offering transport to any company (a phone company, Internet service provider, television or movie provider, etc.) at “reasonable terms.”

Google’s main criterion in choosing the communities is the ability of that community to help them build quickly. “The Vermont Telecommunications Authority, created in 2007, provides a unique entity that can represent the entire state in the process. We have strong support from Governor Douglas’ administration and dozens of local towns at this point.” Murray explained that “Broadband advocates across the state were emailed last week. We asked them to contact their select boards, school boards, and economic development organizations about sending the VTA letters of support for inclusion in this application by March 15th. The topic probably came up at many town meetings this week.” He also requested that all towns that have not already done so to please consider such a letter. The VTA has sample letters on their web site (www.telecomvt.org), in addition to other material it is making available to help spread the word.

The application is due March 26, 2010.