Google Rethinks Google Fiber

In 2010, Google announced its highly ambitious plans to provide faster web connection roughly 30 times faster than the U.S average at a cheap price with Google Fiber. Seemed pretty great, right?

Well, it looks like they’ve hit a couple bumps along the way. After spending millions of dollars digging up roadways to provide wired connectivity, Google seems to be realizing the full extent of financial cost associated with the project. Ditching the initial wired approach, they’ve shifted their attention to wireless to bypass all the expensive digging. They’re also said to have been testing the new wireless technology this month using a new wireless transition technology that relies on a newly available spectrum. The company is hoping to cut costs and accelerate the project by asking power companies or cities such as L.A., Chicago, and Dallas to build their own networks. Cities where the project is currently suspended include San Jose and Portland Oregon.

“The project is in early stages today, but we hope this technology can one day help deliver more abundant internet access to consumers,” a Google spokesperson told Business Insider.

Eric Schmidt has said that the project is no longer in the experimental stages and has evolved into a full business operation looking to decide on where to expand next. As of today, Google Fiber has reached six metro areas, showcasing the difficulty that digital companies face when looking to move into more traditional lines of business. “If you’re in the telecommunications industry for 150 years, there are no surprises here,” said Jonathan Reichental, chief technology officer of the city of Palo Alto, Calif. “But if you’re a software company getting into the business for the first time, this is a completely new world.”

Currently, Google Fiber customers can expect to pay roughly $70 a month for 1 gigabit/second speeds and $60 a month for their TV service. As of right now, it remains to be said, whether the new wireless technology would change pricing. In June, Google Fiber acquired Webpass, a company that has the ability to wireless transmit internet service from fiber connected antennas to antennas.