The people of Kansas City have a lot to look forward to in the way of broadband solutions. Both Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, have been chosen by Google (News
- Alert) to debut its new plan for the implementation of affordable fiber service. Currently the plan is in a test phase and is only being offered to the residents of Kansas City. The Internet giant shared the nitty gritty details of its plan last Thursday while in the City of Fountains.
Google has agreed to lay the framework for the fiber broadband solutions, only charging users an installation fee for basic service, according to this Tech Dirt report. The installation fee runs about $300 annually or $25 a month if broken out over a year. That fee will give residents access to free broadband service for the next seven years with speeds up to 5 Mbps, which according to Google, is the average speed available right now.
For those who want faster speeds, Google has another option. The second broadband solutions package costs $70 a month but allows access to speeds of up to 1 Gbps. For $50 extra (approximately $120 a month) though, Google will throw in TV service as well. These prices are pretty affordable considering the competition’s offerings.
The 1Gbps option is attractive because it improves both the speeds of downloads and uploads. Traditionally, broadband solutions providers have focused their efforts on the former, but Google is willing to bet that in the age of social media, the ability to quickly upload photos and video content will be increasingly important for users as well.
The only hinge is that there’ll be a sign up list, and those on top will get first dibs when it comes to finishing the network infrastructure. Basically, areas that demonstrate the highest level of interest will be served first.
The interesting thing is that Google hasn’t let other naysayers derail its plans to invest in the fiber broadband solutions network, even though the company is new to the market. Others have shied away from such projects because of the costs involved. Google is setting the bar high with efforts to improve Internet speeds and decrease usage limitations, which will surely make competitors take notice.
Many believe that competition is the key element in advancing fiber infrastructure. Without it, companies don’t have much incentive to make the investment.
When Google initially shared the news of its new broadband solutions project, it agreed to allow other providers such as Comcast and AT&T (News - Alert) to use its network.
At first, it welcomed other providers on its system reasoning that customers should have their choice of service providers. The company’s stance is that there is ample room for innovation. However, the company might now be changing its tune. With the recent announcement, there was no talk of the possibility of share, making some wonder if the company really does value competition and the opportunity to choose.
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Edited by Stefanie Mosca