According to new unconfirmed reports, Google is looking to begin delivering its own Wi-Fi networks wherever it has already established Google Fiber. This could signal the Silicon Valley search company is heading directly into the broadband sector where it believes it can offer faster and more reliable connections for users.
The report suggests that internally, Google has been disseminating ideas of pushing out wireless services in 34 cities that will have Google Fiber service already established next year. Google did not respond publicly to the report and has not returned emails regarding the possible leak of information.
It has, however, sparked an online frenzy of reporting on the potential move by Google into wireless service and there are beginnings of analysis on whether the company could and will compete against those already established across the country.
Overall, the immediate sense is that Google's entrance could be a boost as many believe the wireless sector needs a kick of competition to continue innovation and better connectivity for users.
The exclusive report says that the company will be "discussing our Wi-Fi plans and related requirements with your city as we move forward with your city during this planning process."
It is unclear on any time table for such a move. The new cities Google wants to enter have reportedly been sent requests and the company is awaiting responses ahead of the May 1 deadline.
Google Fiber has seen some success in the three cities it is currently in, Provo, Utah and Kansas City, while it is also preparing Austin for Fiber.
In the two cities, "basic speed" is given at no cost, while a gigabit per second service runs around $70 a month and upgraded packages that include more than 200 television channels are also on offer. Installation of the Fiber can cost as much as $300.
In each city, Google has established a number of 24-hour service station huts. These are utility facilities to maintain the Google Fiber and the company is asking cities to allow them to lease the property for around two decades.
"The huts, of which there will be between one and a handful in each city, would house the main networking equipment. From the hut, fiber cables would run along utility poles-or in underground fiber ducts if they exist-and terminate at neighborhood boxes, each serving up to 288 or 587 homes," reads the report.
Without confirmation from Google, the speculation is likely to continue as to what Google's purpose and direction in entering the wireless sector is really.
