Google Fiber, the Internet search giant's ultrahigh-speed Internet service, is set to be launched in 34 more cities.
For the uninitiated, Google Fiber offers speeds that are 100 times faster than those offered by regular Internet connections.
"We aim to provide updates by the end of the year about which cities will be getting Google Fiber," said Milo Medin, Google VP Access Services, in a blog post. "Between now and then, we'll work closely with each city's leaders on a joint planning process that will not only map out a Google Fiber network in detail, but also assess what unique local challenges we might face."
Google is targeting nine metropolitan areas and is working in tandem with government officials of cities such as San Jose, Atlanta, Portland to name a few. Currently, Google Fiber is available in Kansas City, Austin and Provo.
Google's announcement comes in the midst of debates pertaining to Internet access i.e. regarding network neutrality.
Tom Wheeler, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Tom recently revealed that the agency would create new rules to monitor Internet traffic, as well as keep specific websites and services from being blocked or slowed down.
Recently, speculation on how Google would expand Fiber has been rife.
"We aim to provide updates by the end of the year about which cities will be getting Google Fiber. Between now and then, we'll work closely with each city's leaders on a joint planning process that will not only map out a Google Fiber network in detail, but also assess what unique local challenges we might face," notes Medin.
The 34 lucky cities which are under consideration for Google Fiber are: Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe (Arizona); San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto (California); Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs and Smyrna (Georgia); Nashville-Davidson (Tennessee); Charlotte, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Morrisville and Raleigh (North Carolina); Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego and Tigard (Oregon); San Antonio (Texas); and Salt Lake City (Utah).
According to analysts, Google may possibly be competition for cable and phone operators in five years from now.
"We continue to believe that Google Fiber is an attempt by Google to build a profitable, stand-alone business," said Carlos Kirjner, senior Internet analyst for Bernstein Research. "Google is taking the long view and we think in five or more years, it could turn out to be a significant, profitable business for Google and headwind for incumbents."
Google Fiber will undoubtedly be welcomed by consumers who are up-in-arms with slow Internet speeds and the lofty prices offered by phone and cable network operators.
Google, however, has not revealed the cost of rolling out Google Fiber.
