Partnership among 29 Universities Aims to Expand High-speed Computing

UChicago has joined 28 universities across the country to explore the prospect of bringing much higher-speed Internet service to university campuses and surrounding communities. The group has launched Gig.U: The University Community Next Generation Innovation Project.

The first step is to issue a Request for Information, a process through which Gig.U will gather data with an intent to inform high-speed service providers of new implementation approaches. It also will enable competition to bring high-speed networks to research communities, according to Gig.U organizers. The RFI process could lead to tailored Requests for Proposals for deploying cutting-edge networking technology to campuses and communities.

Deployment of ultra-high-speed networks drive economic growth and would stimulate a new generation of innovations addressing critical needs, such as health care and education, the organizers explained during a media teleconference on July 27, 2011.

Gig.U universities and their surrounding communities have the most favorable conditions for a market-based, ultra high-speed broadband strategy, including dense populations and high demand from institutions and residential customers. These communities have long served as partners and test beds for advances in market segments, ranging from health care and education to technology and energy.

Organizers do not intend to seek federal funds for the project, but will seek ways in which industry can work with universities and their communities to take advantage of the potential of expanded power for the networks.