Video campaign aims to lure Google Fiber to Nashville

A grassroots video campaign is underway in Nashville to advocate for the expansion Google Fiber, using YouTube to rally behind the high-speed Internet service.

The videos feature leaders of Nashville businesses and organizations, from the Nashville Zoo to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Regions Bank, explaining why they want to Google Fiber to come to the Nashville region.

Kevin Page, founder of social enterprise company PopCause, created the series and has posted more than a dozen videos, with nearly 40 additional videos being edited or planned.

Nashville is among nine metropolitan areas being considered for Google Fiber expansion, which would mean Internet connection advertised as much as 100 times faster than basic broadband. The city is working to complete a checklist concerning permitting and infrastructure ahead of a May 1 deadline and Google is working on a study of the area during the next several months to make a decision.

"I see Google Fiber as being very important to Nashville for various reasons like entertainment, education, tourism – everything a great city needs," Page said. "(The goal is) to get faster Internet to kids in public schools."

Page said while growing up in West Tennessee, he depended on the local public library for Internet access. He said that access was critical in helping him build a business education, which is why he is passionate about bringing Google Fiber to the city. Since Google's expansion announcement in February, he has been reaching out to people in Nashville for video interviews.

PopCause has participated in other campaigns, such as "My Music Matters" supporting a National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

Jim Bartoo, public affairs director at the Nashville Zoo, Emma CEO Clint Smith and Griffin Technology's Mark Rowan are among those featured in the videos.

"I think (Fiber) would be a good thing for Nashville," said Jim Schmitz, Middle Tennessee president of Regions Bank. "It would be great from an economic standpoint."

While the campaign won't affect Google's decision to come to Nashville, building community support will help sign up more neighborhoods for fiber if expansion is approved, according to Google Fiber spokeswoman Jenna Wandres.

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 or on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.