It seems these days that Google is trying to have a finger in everything and anything. Therefore it was only a matter of time before the company decided it should seriously consider providing its own high-speed internet service.
Google is currently working on this new venture and one of its early targets for the service was Kansas City, Kan.
While the word is already out, potential customers should not expect to receive service right away. In fact, it will likely be a couple of years before Google is truly ready to make the highly anticipated service completely available to selected service locations.
Kansas City mayor Joe Reardon described the move by Google to set up shop in his town as a “very physical” process.
In truth it’s not just physical; it’s time-consuming and tedious.
“Fiber has to be laid on the ground in the city on rights of way or on poles,” said Reardon. “and you have to get it into the neighborhoods and into the house. It takes time.”
So much time and money that Google does not seem interested in providing a truly national experience. After all, the most populated US cities managed to be completely ignored by Google. The project may be ambitious, but the location selection seems to scream, “not ready for prime time”.
Given Google's presence here, its a pity Dublin is not on this list. I wonder did anyone consider us? http://t.co/8fLMpPoeOI #broadband
— chris horn (@chrisjhorn) February 23, 2014
About 34 US cities were added to the list of potential service, but even if you find yourself ideally situated, prepare to wait a good while for service to be available. That was the major complaint of citizens in Kansas City. Despite being “kings of the internet” Google seems to be struggling with how internet service works. People do not like waiting.
While Google’s $70 per month service internet and $120 per month internet/HD television service is being hailed as widely affordable, many are already talking about sticking to internet services that may be slower, but are 1/3 or even 1/2 Google’s proposed costs. Affordability is highly subjective.
Let’s just hope Google has all the kinks worked out by the time service reaches every planned city. Perhaps if things go well enough, Google will really get ambitious regarding their range of service and pricing plans
They’ll have to if they intend to be a true force in terms of high-speed internet service. 1 GB per second internet is amazing, but what difference does it make if the service isn’t even realistically available to the average web user?
Speaking of which, Google should not expect competitors to sit quietly on the sidelines while they build an empire. Google has already revealed its weakness in terms of inexperience and an inability to meet the demands of consumers.
Expect other internet service providers to make adjustments of their own in every location Google has deemed fit for its fledgling high-speed internet service and sling more dirt at the new kid than found in your average political campaign.
Good luck, Google. Mind your throat.
Image via YouTube