Google may roll out Wi-Fi alongside fibre optic broadband
Search giant Google is seemingly keen to upset ISPs, with reports suggesting it will build super-fast Wi-Fi into its US broadband network plans.
In the UK we don’t currently have Google Fibre, but that doesn’t mean we’re giving up on it, because we need 1Gbps broadband to our homes as much as the Americans do. But Google, it seems, is also considering taking the sensible step of installing Wi-Fi hotspots as it lays cables to specially selected US cities.
Google’s plans for city-wide Wi-Fi were revealed as it sends documents to 34 cities which it is considering for Google Fibre in 2015. While the plans aren’t fully fleshed-out yet, it could be part of Google’s tactic for winning over local governments where there is resistance to their installations.
Getting good public Wi-Fi has proven to be a challenge in almost every country in the world. The big problem is that while you may have one account with one wireless provider, that provider might not be available everywhere you go.
The idea of Google bringing one, consistent service to a whole region would take that hassle away, and would also increase speeds substantially.
The Google Fiber network in the US runs at speeds of up to 1Gbps, and is available either as a broadband only package, or as a service which includes a wide selection of TV channels.
There is also a “free” pack, which offers basic 5mbps broadband for free, although in reality there’s a $300 (£180) connection fee, which can be spread over 12 months. The 1Gbps top tier costs just $75 (£42) per month without TV and $120 (£72) with it.
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Via: TechRadar