Google experimental 1-gig fiber network could challenge ISPs
“Think big with a gig” is the catchy start to a Google blog post this morning introducing company plans to experiment with a fiber network.
After urging of the FCC on its National Broadband Plan and the need for faster, more reliable Internet access in the United States, Google is taking a DIY approach and announced that it is planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States.
“We’ll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people,” the blog reads.
It’s no secret that the US has been lagging behind other nations with regards to broadband speeds and adoption, something that Google attempted to address in part with its Chrome and the Chrome OS. And with Chrome, Google argued that it was more interested in moving technology along than it was in becoming a market leader. Be that true or not, the company echoed such sentiments in its blog post today.
Always painting itself as the benevolent good guy, Google said the “purpose of this project is to experiment and learn” and that it hopes “to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goal of delivering faster and better Internet for everyone.” In essence, though, Google is sidestepping FCC holdups and ISPs as it looks to pave a road for future growth. In fact, the Google move, if successful in the long run, could offer significant competition to traditional ISPs and the telco/cable companies, especially if the price is right.
Specifically the search giant said it is looking toward next-generation, bandwidth-intensive, and yet undeveloped apps and services. Google further said it plans to focus on openness and choice. “We’ll operate an ‘open access’ network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with our past advocacy, we’ll manage our network in an open, non-discriminatory, and transparent way.”
Google does have some experience in this area. In 2006, it launched free Wi-Fi in its hometown of Mountain View, Calif. Now it wants to come to your hometown. As Google’s first step in this effort, it is seeking interested communities through an RFI (request for information). Government officials or citizens can respond to the RFI here. Google plans to collect responses through March 26, and said it will announce targeted communities later this year.
What are your thoughts? Could Google become a challenger to the traditional ISPs and the telco/cable companies? Will you rally through the RFI for your community’s consideration? Is the company really looking to make a “meaningful contribution” toward “faster and better Internet” or is it interested in self expansion? Voice your opinions below.
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