Google and the Physical Network

By Paula Bernier

The hot news on the next-generation network front as of mid-February, as I was writing this, was Google's news that it again is dipping its toe into the broadband waters – this time with plans to bring 1gbps fiber-to-the-home access to an undisclosed number of users at (surprise!) undisclosed locations.

The planned test bed, as it's being called, aims to bring competitively priced broadband to between 50,000 and 500,000 people, reports Google. The tech giant apparently has launched this initiative at least in part to help the FCC (News - Alert) explore new ways to build fiber networks as the commission moves to implement the National Broadband Plan, which is scheduled to be presented to Congress this month.

"We'll test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, we'll share key lessons learned with the world," Google announced in a recent company blog, which noted the network(s) would grant open access to whatever service providers ask for it.

But first Google is seeking input from the world at large on its efforts. Exactly what kind of input it's looking for I'm not quite clear, but the company has issued a request for information "to help identify interested communities."

Just what special insight on building fiber networks Google might be able to offer is a question mark. The company certainly has done a great job of creating new businesses and business models, and has plenty of resources. But the vendor and facilities-based service provider communities have a long and rich history of researching, building, operating and optimizing fiber networks, so I'm not sure what else Google will bring to the table, assuming this fiber test bed actually sees the light of day.

Indeed, many folks in the communications space have been questioning what Google's true ambitions are as they relate to this fiber test bed announcement. Some believe the company lacks a real desire to be involved in the infrastructure side of things, but is using this news as a way to forward its lobbying efforts around open networks and net neutrality. This skepticism is not completely undeserved considering the company made a lot of noise about buying wireless spectrum and getting into the mobile infrastructure space, but ultimately did none of the above, with the exception of building a small Wi-Fi network in Mountain View.

On the heels of the Google test bed news, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski (News - Alert) last month at the NARUC Conference for the first time talked about an effort called the "100 Squared" initiative, which aims to outfit 100 million U.S. households with 100mbps access. Again, no details were offered as to locations, timelines or involved parties. But Genachowski in the same speech pointed to the Google announcement as encouraging news in the nation's effort to expand broadband.

I would never argue that bringing more companies into the fold so the U.S. can catch up, and potentially even surpass, other countries in the broadband race is a bad idea. In fact, the NTIA and RUS already are doing just that as part of the federal government's broadband stimulus effort.

However, it's the service providers – telcos and cablecos – that actually have experience in building networks, which is no small task, and that have been investing and continue to invest in the nation's broadband networks. Meanwhile, Google continues to deliver over-the-top solutions that leverage these networks, while making a show about its broadband network ambitions. That said, I think I speak for many in the communications space when I say we'll believe Google is serious about forwarding broadband infrastructure when it puts its money where its mouth is.

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