Google Fiber

Google Fiber is a project to build a fiber optic network. The bit rate of up to one gigabit per second (1 Gbit / s) and is symmetric, therefore the upstream and downstream are equally fast.

The structure of the partly experimental broadband Internet infrastructure began in Kansas City (Kansas ) and Kansas City (Missouri ), which were selected from over 1100 contending communities. On 30 March 2011 Google announced that Kansas City will be the first city in Kansas, in the new network is set up. In April 2013 Google announced that Google Fiber will also build in Austin (Texas ) and Provo ( Utah).

Experimental character

When project Google has a different approach than traditional network operators:

• To avoid expensive civil engineering works, Google moved in Kansas City, the lines existing, above-ground poles.
• Google builds the set-top boxes and routers used itself

Business Model

According to Google's statement, the economic strategy of Google Fiber is consistent, however, experts doubt whether the offer can be expected. The cost is estimated to 850-1250 dollars per customer.

In order to keep low the cost is expensive civil engineering works avoided and removed only the districts in which enough people have pre-registered. Part of the cost is funded by taxpayers' money. A gigabit line offers Google for $ 70 a month, with cable TV for 120 dollars per month. There is also a guaranteed seven-year offer with 5 Mbit / s bandwidth, in which, after a one-time installation fee of $ 300 over the term no monthly fees are due.