Schrier

The City of Seattle will apply to become a partner in Google's experimental high-speed broadband network, a new offering that could have residents connecting to the Internet at speeds of as much as 1 gigabit per second.

Bill Schrier, the chief technology officer for the City of Seattle, said the Internet speeds promised by Google could bring "true broadband" to the city and allow for things such as high-definition video conferencing. But Schrier also said that it's a "long shot" given that Google plans to roll out the service to just 50,000 to 500,000 people nationwide.

However, Seattle does have a few things going its way. Not least of which is that this is Microsoft's home turf, and Google may want to showcase its new offerings here.

But Schrier said that there are other reasons why Seattle makes sense. And those reasons go beyond the irony of having Google broadband in Seattle.

"Generally we feel this is a bold step by Google and certainly an opportunity for Seattle," said Schrier. "We feel (and have always felt) the City has a lot to bring to the table – a high-tech economy and tech savvy population, and deep internet access (89 percent of folks have at least some sort of Internet connection at home according to our survey last year)."

Schrier also noted that the city owns or co-owns 100,000 utility poles through Seattle City Light. "All-in-all, a good match for Google’s initiative," he said.

But wouldn't partnering with Google almost be sacrilege in Microsoft's backyard?

Schrier, for one, doesn't see it that way.

"I hope that Microsoft offers something similar, and we'd jump on that as well," he said. Furthermore, he doesn't see as much competition between Google and Microsoft when it comes to Internet service.

In fact, he said Google and Microsoft "have more in common ... than meets the eye" when it comes to being held hostage by the large Internet service providers.

Newly-elected Mayor Mike McGinn is supporting the Google application, and a task force has been formed to respond to the search titan's request. Google is taking nominations from city, county and state governments until March 26.

Schrier said he welcomes feedback from residents on the program, and that the Google offering fits squarely with McGinn's own plan of bringing fiber-optic connections to Seattle residents..

Asked whether the city needs more competition when it comes to high-speed Internet, Schrier responded bluntly: "Absolutely."

More on the City's plans in this blog post.