Google, provider of search engines and other Internet-based applications, announced plans February 10 to build an “ultra high-speed broadband network” in a small number of not-yet-identified trial locations across the U.S. The projects, using fiber-to-the-home connections, will deliver speeds of 1 gigabit per second, the company said.
“We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people,” the company said in a blog entry. “Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone.”
Among the areas the company said it might test were next-generation applications, new deployment techniques, and the concept of an open access network that would let multiple service providers use the network platform.
“Network providers are making real progress to expand and improve high-speed Internet access, but there’s still more to be done,” Google said.
The company said its first step would be to put out a request for information to help identify interested communities. “We welcome responses from local government, as well as members of the public,” Google said.
