FEBRUARY 10, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- Google has announced plans to build and test open access fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in “a small number” of trial locations across the United States. The company has issued an RFI seeking communities interested in participating in the trials.
Google says the trials will feature gigabit FTTH broadband connections. “We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people,” the company says on its website.
The trials will focus on at least three areas:
- next-generation applications
- new FTTH deployment techniques
- “openness and choice” via the open access business model
The company’s main goal is to improve Internet access and use rather than start a new business, Google implied on its site and in the video below:
“Like our WiFi network in Mountain View, the purpose of this project is to experiment and learn,” a statement on Google’s website reads. “Network providers are making real progress to expand and improve high-speed Internet access, but there's still more to be done. We don’t think we have all the answers -- but through our trial, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goal of delivering faster and better Internet for everyone.”
Google is asking for responses from state and municipal government officials or citizens interested in participating. The RFI will remain open until March 26. Interested parties can access more information at www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi.
For more, see "Reactions vary to Google FTTH announcement."