UF and 28 other research universities across the U.S. have promised access to an ultra high-speed Internet so fast that one could download a full-length, high-definition movie within seconds.
These universities are all part of Gig.U: The University Community Next Generation Innovation Project.
"Our goal is to bring in the kinds of businesses that would need high-speed Internet," said UF spokesman Steve Orlando.
Although Gig.U introduced the program in July, it has not yet set a time frame for the new network's implementation.
Students on campus already have access to ultra high-speed Internet, so the effort will be focused on moving this infrastructure to off-campus locations.
However, Innovation Hub and Gainesville's medical and research community would all benefit from a faster Internet connection, Orlando said. A faster connection could be useful at Shands at UF, which just switched to electronic medical records about a month ago.
This characteristic could act as a huge incentive for additional researchers and entrepreneurs to move to Gainesville.
The university contributed $9,000 to the development of the project, but the improved connection will be of no additional cost to students or the university.
Gig.U is in the process of developing the request for proposals from potential Internet providers such as Cox Communications and Verizon.
"It's a long way from happening," Orlando said, "but it's definitely in the works."
