Google Fiber has started early discussions with 34 cities in 9 metro areas, around the United States, including Phoenix, to explore the possibility of bringing a new fiber-optic network to their communities. Other communities include: Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and San Jose.
On their website, Google states they picked the areas because “these cities are led by people who have been working hard to bring faster Internet speeds and the latest technologies to their residents. We believe these are communities who will do amazing things with a gig. And they are diverse — not just geographically, but in the ways they’ll give us opportunities to learn about the wide range of challenges and obstacles that communities might face in trying to build a new fiber network.”
Milo Medin, VP, Google Access Services, posted on Google Fiber blog today, “We’re going to work on a detailed study of local factors that could affect construction, like topography (e.g., hills, flood zones), housing density and the condition of local infrastructure. Meanwhile, cities will complete a checklist of items that will help them get ready for a project of this scale and speed. For example, they’ll provide us with maps of existing conduit, water, gas and electricity lines so that we can plan where to place fiber. They’ll also help us find ways to access existing infrastructure—like utility poles—so we don’t unnecessarily dig up streets or have to put up a new pole next to an existing one.”
Medin continued, “While we do want to bring Fiber to every one of these cities, it might not work out for everyone. But cities who go through this process with us will be more prepared for us or any provider who wants to build a fiber network.”
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio said, “Technology must be part of our infrastructure to compete in a global economy. Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix are on board.”
Cities included are:
Arizona – Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
California – San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto
Georgia – Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs, Smyrna
North Carolina – Charlotte, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Morrisville, Raleigh
Oregon – Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard
Tennessee – Nashville-Davidson
Texas – San Antonio
Utah – Salt Lake City
More information about Google’s plan to expand its Fiber network is available at http://www.google.com/fiber/newcities.