Topekans campaign to make city a test site for ultrafast Google Internet connections

Topeka aims to become Google Internet test site

TOPEKA, Kan. — A campaign to make Topeka a test site for a new, ultrafast Internet service is gathering speed.

Google Inc. announced plans Feb. 10 to build and test new high-speed broadband networks in one or more places around the country. The company says the system of fiber-optic cables would deliver Internet connections 100 times faster than most systems now available.

Over the past week, Topeka city officials have announced they’re completing Google’s request for information from potential trial communities. The City Council has indicated that it’s behind the effort.

And a group called “Think Big Topeka” is campaigning to build community and government support.

Google has given communities a March 26 deadline to submit the completed requests for information.