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Which city is getting Google's ultrafast Internet?

Google announced a new city will get Google Fiber. Should cable companies be worried?
Written by Tyler Falk, Contributor

Congratulations denizens of Austin, Texas, Google Fiber -- the company's blazing fast gigabit broadband service -- is coming to your city.

After some speculation, Google officially announced today that Austin would indeed become the second metropolitan area to get the service after the company first built up the infrastructure in Kansas City and surrounding communities, where homes are already enjoying Internet speeds that are 100 times faster than the average broadband service.

Google will offer the same service to Austin as it does for Kansas City residents. They have the option for gigabit Internet or a combination package that includes Google Fiber TV. Slower Internet service is also available with no monthly fees, only a one-time installation charge. Google plans to begin installing the service in Austin homes next year. Public institutions will also get connected to the super-fast Internet free of charge.

And while it is only fully developed in one city and planned for another, the Wall Street Journal says cable companies have reason to be worried.

By offering Google Fiber, which costs $120 a month for high-speed Internet and TV and $70 a month for just Internet, the company may show cable operators it can work around them, if needed. It could also get Google greater say in future industry regulation, including issues of net neutrality, or the idea Internet providers should treat all data equally. Also among Google Fiber's offerings is slower Internet access that is free after a $300 fee. With an aspirational service, Google could be trying to demonstrate how the Internet would look in an ideal, consumer-focused, world.

At least one other company is up for Google's challenge. Not long after the Google announcement, AT&T also announced an investment in a gigabit network in Austin.

Why are these companies drawn to Austin?

"It’s a mecca for creativity and entrepreneurialism, with thriving artistic and tech communities, as well as the University of Texas and its new medical research hospital," Google said in a statement. "We’re sure these folks will do amazing things with gigabit access."

Google Prepares for Fiber Warfare [Wall Street Journal]

Photo: Flickr/atmtx

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