Google has announced plans to build and test a 1 gigabit per second broadband network in 50,000 homes initially, with potentially up to 500,000 homes to be included at a later time. The fiber-to-home network will be able to deliver speeds that are much faster than most people in the United States have access to.
The purpose of the project, says Google, is to experiment and learn, stating that “[it hopes] to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goal of delivering faster and better Internet for everyone.” Specifically, Google would like to see
- “Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it’s creating new bandwidth-intensive “killer apps” and services, or other uses we can’t yet imagine.
- New deployment techniques: We’ll test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, we’ll share key lessons learned with the world.
- 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 has put out a request for information to help it identify interested communities. State, county and city officials, as well as members of the public can nominate their community by answering the request. Responses will be collected until 26 March and the target communities will be announced later this year.
While the network will be small compared to larger ISPs, it will hopefully put some pressure on them to upgrade their speeds.
Google has released a video detailing plans for the network:
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