Finding new markets for Google Fiber
Google on Thursday said it has identified three new potential markets for its 1Gbps Google Fiber service. Two of those cities are located in California -- Irvine and San Diego -- with the third possible location pegged as Louisville, Kentucky.
This doesn't mean that Google Fiber will roll out to all three areas, though they certainly have a better chance than locations that haven't yet been named. The next step for Google is to begin a joint planning process with city leaders to come up with a game plan.
Google and city leaders will discuss things like local topography, housing density, what the existing infrastructures look like, utility line locations, and other topics that will help determine if Google Fiber is a good fit at this time.
While it's not a given that Google Fiber will roll out to all three locations, this process will put them in a better position to welcome gigabit Internet service in general.
"Every city is different and will move on a unique timeline, so we’ll keep in touch with residents about our progress along the way. And regardless of whether Google Fiber comes to the region, this process gives cities a head start in welcoming any gigabit provider to the area," Google stated in a blog post
In the handful of locations where Google Fiber is established, residents have access to relatively affordable 1Gbps upstream and downstream Internet service. It runs $70 per month with a $300 construction fee that's waived with a 1-year commitment. Residents can also subscribe to a Gigabit + TV package that runs $130 per month and includes over 150 channels.
Google Fiber locations also offer a Basic Internet tier (5Mbps download, 1Mpbps upload) for no monthly fee, though the $300 construction fee applies in all cases. It can be paid in one lump sum or broken up into $25 monthly payments for a year.
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