Google is gearing up to test its Fiber service in order to bring high-speed wireless Internet to more places. According to the FCC filing, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has decided to test its wireless broadband technology in 24 locations in the US, for the next 24 months.
Some of the chosen locations such as Provo, Utah are already enjoying the company’s Fiber service. Currently, the company uses a high bandwidth fiber optic cable to install Fiber Internet at homes and offices, but this requires a considerable investment in terms of money and time. Wireless technology can solve this problem, and enable the company to install Fiber Internet much faster.
Google recently acquired the wireless Internet startup called Webpass, which is expected to contribute to the expansion of the Internet giant’s broadband service. Discussing Fiber’s prospects in a blogpost, Google wrote: “In Chicago, Fiber Internet will help bolster a fast-growing startup scene by fueling incubators like 1871, venture capital funds like Chicago Ventures and hundreds of small businesses." It further stated: "With the help of the city’s leadership, Internet speeds can help attract more tech talent and add to the 40,000 tech jobs that exist across the Windy City."
Earlier this year, Google got approval to install antennas on pole lights in Kansas City to deliver fast wireless Internet to people in the region. The company’s move to test wireless Internet service seems to be part of the bigger plan to mark its presence across the country with its high-speed wireless Internet blanket.
Over the past few months, Google Fiber has made efforts to offer one gigabyte per second Internet speed to all cities across the US, but the progress is relatively slow. In addition, as per a report by San Jose Mercury News, the search engine giant delayed its plan to launch Fiber service in two Silicon Valley cities.
For now, there is no word on when the Internet search giant plans to test its wireless Internet service, as it depends on the FCC approval. If your city happens to be in Google’s list of locations that it plans to test, don’t get too excited, as the company stated in its filing that the test will not involve the average user.