Google Plans to Build FTTH Network

Yes, you heard right. Google just announced via its corporate blog that it is deploying an experimental FTTH network in a small number of trial locations across the United States.

“We’ll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000, and potentially up to 500,000 people.”

The trial size is a bit murky since the locations have yet to be selected. Instead Google distributed a request for information (RFI) to help identify interested communities. Feedback from the public and local government officials is due by March 26.

A few stated goals of this initiative:

• Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it’s creating new bandwidth-intensive “killer apps” and services, or other uses we can’t yet imagine.
• New deployment techniques: 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.
• Openness and choice: We’ll operate an “open-access” network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with our past advocacy, we’ll manage our network in an open, non-discriminatory and transparent way.

Google says that is engaging in this project in order to “experiment with new ways to make the Internet better and faster.”

Analysts have been speculating on the company’s true intentions. Does Google want to become a nationwide ISP, or, more likely, it this a public relations stunt designed to influence the market, and further its desired public policy initiatives? (The 700 MHz auction comes to mind.)

Indeed, in an interview with the New York Times, Google Telecommunications and Media Counsel Richard S. Whitt said the company was using the test to push the industry into offering faster Internet access at lower cost. “This is a business model nudge and an innovation nudge.”

Also, Broadband Reports notes that with this trial Google will be able to collect data on a range of ISP topics, such as congestion, net neutrality, transit prices and consumer trends, information that I’m sure will serve them well in future proceedings on Capitol Hill and at the FCC.

In the YouTube video below, James Kelly, product manager on Google’s infrastructure team, intros the project.

Related posts:

1. Google Picks Kansas City for FTTH Network
2. Google Begins Fiber Network Trials at Stanford
3. LightSquared to Build Nationwide, Wholesale 4G Network
4. FTTH Satisfaction on the Rise
5. Google Voice: Big Plans for 2010