First Google was a search engine, then a social network--now how about a Google ISP?
Google plans to experiment with building ultra-fast fiber networks that would deliver high-speed broadband to users.
ReadWriteWeb explains,
The company wants to offer fiber-to-the-home connections that will reach 1 gigabit per second. For now, Google plans to first roll out these connections to around 50,000 people, with the potential to reach over 500,000 people at a later stage.
Why is Google making a move into broadband?
MacObserver speculates,
For starters, they may be trying to further distract Microsoft. After all, Google is in the content delivery business. Google's ownership of a major and possibly growing network would concern Microsoft.
Another motive is to put Comcast and AT&T on notice that Google might be able to muster the muscle to seriously compete with them, and in doing so, enforce their own agenda for how a major fiber network should be operated.
The exact location for the initial Google fiber network hasn't been determined yet. Want to be the first to have Google as your ISP (internet service provider)? Nominate your neighborhood to receive the Google fiber network here.
See Google's official video introduction to the Google fiber network experiment below.