It looks like the slow and steady fiber-fication of Missouri is well underway, as the Gladstone City Council has voted to bring Google's speedy broadband service to the city. This comes just a few days after the Mountain View company welcomed Grandview into the fold, and we're sure the Show Me state will soon see even wider Fiber adoption just like neighboring Kansas. Of course, Gladstone's induction is merely honorary at this point; there's still plenty of work to be done before its citizens can surf the fastest internet waves in the Midwest.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Source: Google Fiber

It's a bit strange, but Missouri hasn't received much attention from Google since Fiber debuted in Kansas City. On the Kansas side of the divide, the blazing-fast broadband has steadily rolled out to new neighborhoods. Hell, plans are already underway to bring the gigabit connection to two completely new states. Yet, there hasn't been much progress through Missouri's enclaves. Finally Mountain View is delivering the Show-Me State a little love, by announcing plans to expand Fiber's reach to Grandview. Residents shouldn't get too excited, though; there is still a ton of work to do. In fact, the effort is still in the planning stages, so sit tight. Still, the city will probably have gigabit internet before 99 percent of the country. (So, maybe get just a little excited.)

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Source: Google Fiber Blog

Google recently announced Provo, UT and Austin, TX are on its list of Fiber expansions, and now it's added another region near Kansas City. The city council of Shawnee, KS has voted to bring in the 1Gbps internet / TV combo, although Google isn't ready to put a timetable on the rollout yet. We're sure passed over Kansas City-area residents are happy to see Google Fiber has expanded its footprint a couple of times, but the rest of us are just as envious as ever.

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Source: Google Fiber Blog, City of Shawnee

Provo, Utah's plan to sell its cost-plagued fiber network to Google has been approved by the municipal council, meaning it'll soon become the third Google Fiber city. However, while still not receiving any money upfront as earlier reported, it'll now have to advance $1.7 million in equipment and engineering costs not part of the deal before, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. In exchange, each Provo resident will get a free 5-megabit internet connection for seven years and Google will have to upgrade the network to connect all the city's homes. It's not quite free, however, as the city's 120,000 residents must still pay a $39 million bond for building the network -- meaning they'll shell out $3.3 million for each of the next 12 years.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Source: Salt Lake Tribune

Let it never be said that Google doesn't show its iOS-toting fans love. Even when it's not bringing apps to Apple's platform first, it usually makes sure to offer its wares on the competing ecosystem. It may have taken a while, but the Google Fiber remote app is now available outside of Android land. You'll need to have an iPad (sorry, no pocketable version here), but just like its Jelly Bean-bound cousin, you can change channels, schedule recordings and fire up on-demand programming. The free app is available now through iTunes, though, it obviously won't do you much good outside of Google Fiber's limited coverage area.

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Source: Google Fiber Blog, Google Fiber (iTunes)

While it's well-established that Google Fiber's expansion into Provo, Utah hinges on Google buying the city's existing iProvo network, we didn't immediately learn what it took to land the tentative deal. Newly available details of the agreement reveal that the up-front cost is largely in the visitor's favor -- it's the long-term development that rewards the locals. Google only pays $1 to buy the local fiber network, but it has five years to finish upgrades and deployments that could ultimately cost $30 million, according to the Deputy Mayor's estimates. About the only remaining costs for Provo are its already existing (if significant) development loans, and the city can always buy the network back for $1 if things go sour. The pact also leaves the door open to public WiFi, although there are no guarantees that Google will mirror its New York City efforts anytime soon. When the search giant has a very healthy bank balance, we doubt there will be much quibbling over the exact terms; just know that the arrangement isn't strictly one-sided.

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Source: AP

Google Fiber is growing in Kansas City and, as recently reported, coming to Austin, and today Mountain View revealed a third city that will enjoy its high-speed internet: Provo, Utah. The news broke today on the official Fiber blog, Provo's website and the city mayor's personal blog -- what official wouldn't be happy to break that news? If the agreement is approved by the city council, Google will buy the city's existing iProvo network and upgrade it to Gigabit technology. The deal would bring free 5Mbps service to homes already on the iProvo network (for a $30 activation fee) and offer free connectivity for 25 public institutions. The council will vote next Tuesday -- but we can't imagine any verdict other than a resounding "yes."

[Thanks, all]

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Source: Google Fiber blog, Provo Insights

Google Fiber has a lot going for it, both as an ISP and a pay-TV platform. There was was one gaping hole in the service though: no HBO. Lets be honest with ourselves, its the big geeks that are looking to hop on that 1Gbps service first. And what do geeks love almost as much as blazing-fast Google-branded internet? Game of Thrones. Now Kansas City (and soon Austin) based nerds will be able to watch Joffrey become an even bigger monster live, rather than wait for some torrent site to get an illegal copy of it up (or, if they're smart, mooch off of someone's HBO GO account). Alongside HBO, Google Fiber has also added Cinemax: Home Box Office's less cool sibling. The branded families of channels are both available today for $20 a month or $10 a month respectively. Or, if you're a real premium TV fan, you can get both, plus STARZ and Showtime for $40 a month. Hit up the source for a few more details.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google

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Source: Google Fiber

The Google Fiber rollout for Austin has been spoiled twice, but today it's officially official: the music-centric city will become a gigabit city... eventually, that is. Google now says that it will start wiring Austinite homes for super-fast internet access by mid-2014 -- we wouldn't cancel that cable or DSL service just yet, sadly. At least the pricing should be familiar. Google still plans to offer both stand-alone internet access and internet-plus-TV bundles, both at rates within the ballpark of what it offers for Kansas City, and there will still be a near-free 5Mbps plan that only requires a one-off construction fee. Institutions will get free gigabit access, of course. While we'd like Google Fiber as soon as possible, we're just happy to realize that our next SXSW crash pad may have a lot more bandwidth on tap.

Update: During a formal announcement call, Google and the city of Austin provided a few minor details. They revealed that Google didn't get any incentives to land a deal, and that engineering work is only beginning in earnest on April 10th. As for AT&T's me-too initiative? Kevin Lo from Google Fiber says that it's "great" to see AT&T aware that the demand exists for gigabit access. No hard feelings, then.

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Source: Google Fiber

Hear that? It's Austin, being weird enough to add yet another reason to live within its city limits. As rumored, Google Fiber will be rolling down to one of Texas' most esteemed towns in the near future, joining the Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri metro as the only locales (so far) in the US of A offering the outfit's Fiber-based TV, phone and 1Gbps broadband services. Mum's the word on an exact rollout, but we'll update this post as we learn more.

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Source: Gig.U

The major problem most of us have with Google Fiber is that we can't get it, but that could change soon for residents of Austin, Texas. According to reports by VentureBeat and KVUE News in Austin, invites are going out for an event on Tuesday at 11 AM put on by Google and the city. Anonymous sources indicate that's where the two will announce plans to bring the TV and high speed internet hookup's plans for expansion Until we hear differently however, Google Fiber's rollout is still only confirmed for the Kansas City area, so plan your living arrangements accordingly.

Update: A tipster informs us that the news section on the Google Fiber "Cities" page is currently (3AM ET) flashing a "Google Fiber's Next Stop: Austin, Texas" header. While author "SoAndSo" is not particularly well known, we'd figure this removes any remaining doubt where the service is landing next.

[Thanks, Chris]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Google

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Source: Venture Beat, KVUE, Google Fiber

While our zipcodes still haven't popped up on Google's gigabit-connected list, it announced tonight that Google Fiber is coming to the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, KS. The Olathe City Council approved an agreement allowing the expansion earlier this evening, although there's no word on timing for the deployment just yet. The internet / TV service Google provides will be competing with Comcast locally, as opposed to incumbent Time Warner in many of the previous areas. As you can see from the map above, this is technically beyond the initial rollout announced, which should thrill residents of what Wikipedia tells us is the fourth largest Kansas City suburb and hometown of NFL running back Darren Sproles. Still, despite Google calling this hopefully the first of several announcements for additional KC-area cities it will still require a move to this particular corner of the Great Plains.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google

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Source: Google Fiber Blog, OlatheKS.org

If you're one of the precious few to have access to Google Fiber, you may have been disappointed by the need to use its companion app on a Nexus 7 -- a fine tablet, but certainly not the only device in Google's universe. Thankfully, a new update significantly broadens that pool. The app should now offer remote control and content browsing on phones and tablets that run Android 4.1 or later, whether it's a Nexus 4 or the upcoming Galaxy S 4. Viewers should also see a simpler interface, no matter what hardware they're using. Those fortunate enough to have the fiber TV service just need to swing past Google Play to expand their control of the living room.

Update: As many of you noticed and now Google has confirmed in a blog post discussing the redesign, the update lets the app run on any devices running Android 4.1 or higher, not just 4.2.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Mobile, Google

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Via: Google Fiber (Google+)

Source: Google Play, Google Fiber Blog

Netflix has long been judging your ISP's streaming quality, but you've had to dig around blog posts and other less accessible pages to get the low-down on just which networks reign supreme. Its new, dedicated ISP Speed Index page is much more straightforward: stop by and you'll always have a quick glimpse of which internet providers are the most Netflix-friendly across key countries, with more detailed breakdowns for individual nations. Not that there's been an upheaval in the pecking order, at least if you're an American. Google Fiber was once again the clear US speed leader in February, while DSL and Clearwire's WiMAX trailed the pack. The site mostly provides a handy point of reference for ISP shopping, even if it suggests that a cross-country (or cross-planet) move might be in order.

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Source: Netflix ISP Speed Index

Google's Fiber efforts may not be that widespread yet, but it's obvious the search giant is doing all it can to improve the service for those who are lucky enough to have it. With that in mind, Google announced it's now brought an initial batch -- albeit a minor one -- of 3D channels to its growing Fiber TV lineup, giving "Gigabit + TV" subscribers (who own a three-dee-ready TV, of course) access to 3net at no extra cost and to ESPN3D for an additional $5 per month. While the inclusion of 3net and ESPN3D might seem like a pretty minor one on paper, it's without a doubt a step in the right direction for Fiber TV -- and, as the company puts it, this shows how the company is "committed to making these qualities that you've come to expect from Google Fiber TV better and better."

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Via: CNET

Source: Google

Google's learned quite a lot about internet provision through its wired Fiber service, and now it appears to be preparing a localized wireless network. El Goog has solicited the FCC for a license to build an "experimental radio service" at its Mountain View lair, which uses bands that current consumer devices don't. As the WSJ notes, Google's old buddy Clearwire holds the keys to the 2524-2625MHz range it'll occupy, and wireless networks using these frequencies are currently under construction in China, Brazil and Japan. The initial hub for the service is planned to be within the building that houses the Google Fiber team -- perfect fuel for speculation that big G wants to create its own network (possibly in cahoots with Dish), and one that's not confined to its HQ. Right now, it's just a document, so we'll have to wait and see how this develops. Even if it ends up going nowhere, it's not like the search behemoth doesn't have the money to flirt with whatever it wants.

Filed under: Wireless, Internet, Google

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Source: FCC, Wall Street Journal

Gigabit game on! FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski wants the US to host "at least one gigabit community in all 50 states by 2015," and he's calling upon ISPs, as well as state governments to make it a reality. In a statement issued today, Genachowski laid out a roadmap to establish a "clearinghouse of best practices" that would help eliminate the network as obstacle and foster innovative applications, in addition to digital hubs. Of course, cities like Seattle and Kansas City, along with the University of Washington have already been privy to these ultra-high-speeds thanks to the likes of Google and private funding. But, with today's missive, it's clear the Commission's head honcho wants that to be more the rule than exception. It's no secret Genachowski's long wanted to shore up the US' prominence as a connected country -- he's said as much since the beginning of his reign. And with initiatives likes this one, that could fast become a reality.

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Source: FCC

It's not just in Kansas City anymore -- it's in the surrounding neighborhoods. Google's rolling out its Fiber service to five more areas in the midwestern municipality starting in the new year. After putting the finishing touches on installations in the Dub's Dread area, households in Piper Schools, Delaware Ridge, Painted Hills, Open Door and Arrowhead will be next on deck to sign-up for Mountain View's nascent TV and internet services. Google's provided an updated chart with installation boundaries and respective deadlines for eligible homes, instructing denizens of these fiberhoods to select from among three available packages: Gigabit + TV plan, Gigabit Internet Plan or Free Internet Plan. And if hedging your bets on a untested service has you wary of signing on the dotted line, the search giant's also arranged for prospective subs to demo its fiber optic wares at the appropriately dubbed Fiber Space. Click on the source below for more details and an opportunity to be next in line for Google's great digital expansion.

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Source: Google Fiber Blog

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt is on stage at The New York Times' Dealbook conference today, and he's made a bit of news concerning the company's big broadband effort, Google Fiber. That, Schmidt says, "isn't just an experiment, it's a real business and we're trying to decide where to expand next." Unfortunately, he didn't offer much more in the way of specifics beyond that, but it sounds the chances of those who don't live in one Kansas City or the other getting some gigabit broadband to the home just got a bit better.

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Via: @jyarow (Twitter)

Source: The New York Times Dealbook

Like there was ever any doubt, right? Netflix -- which serves up over one billion hours of video streaming to some 30 million members per month -- owes it to itself to keep track of which ISPs are killing it, and which simply need to be killed. Now, the outfit's finally ready to begin publishing its findings, ranking America's major Internet Service Providers based upon "actual performance across all Netflix streams." The shocker to end all shockers? "Google Fiber is now the most consistently fast ISP in America, according to actual user experience on Netflix streams in November."

Of note, however, Verizon's fiber-based FiOS offering came mighty close. Of course, Google's Fiber isn't available outside of the Kansas Cities region, while Verizon has (loosely) confirmed that it has no plans to expand the existing FiOS infrastructure beyond the 13 states that were lucky enough to get it. Broadly, cable shows better than DSL, while AT&T's U-verse -- dubbed a "hybrid fiber-DSL service" -- ranked quite poorly compared to both Google Fiber and FiOS. Head on over to the source for the full rundown, and feel free to begin the relocation process to Kansas. Good internet, good barbecue, Collin Klein -- what's not to love?

Filed under: Internet, HD

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Source: Netflix

A lot of readers in the two Kansas Cities are about to see the above sign taped to their door, and they'll be forgiven if it triggers an irrational level of excitement: it's the confirmation that Google Fiber deployments are at last underway. Starting this week in the Hanover Heights district of Kansas state's city, Google is extending fiber drops to the homes of early adopters and arranging for in-home appointments to set up whatever internet and IPTV selections they've made. The fiber team is also widening its pick of TV channels as a last-minute incentive, offering a slew of Fox sports and movie channels as well as Fuel TV, FX, National Geographic and Speed, among others. While we don't know how long it will take before the first wave of 1Gbps deployments are wrapped up, it should finally be safe to add "internet service provider" to Google's increasingly lengthy resume.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Networking, Internet, HD, Google

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Source: Google Fiber (1), (2)

If Rahm Emanuel has his way, then Chicago's broadband access may very well give Kansas City a run for its money. The mayor of the Windy City has now revealed a rather ambitious initiative that would (ideally) overhaul the city's broadband infrastructure and provide affordable, gigabit-class fiber internet to areas that primarily serve industry, higher education and entrepreneurial startups. The idea came to Emanuel through Eric Schmidt, who suggested the upgrade be coordinated alongside the city's overhaul of its aging water / sewer system. Before any of this can happen, however, Chicago must first secure commitments from companies that would be willing to install and pay for the new upgrades. As a potential incentive, it's been suggested by Crain's Chicago Business that the city may offer some of its own unused fiber resources on a favorable lease.

In addition to the hopes for ultra-fast broadband, Emanuel's project, dubbed the Chicago Broadband Challenge, also seeks to extend low-cost, high-speed internet to underserved areas of the city and to bring free WiFi access to all public spaces such as parks and plazas. Although mostly a token gesture, mayor Emanuel announced the immediate availability of free WiFi in Chicago's Millennium Park. The city is currently soliciting plans and proposals of how to approach the ambitious project, and you're invited to become a bit more familiar with these grand ambitions with the PR and source links below.

[Chicago photo credit: Nimesh M / Flickr]

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Via: GigaOM

Source: Crain's Chicago Business (free registration required)

As promised, the complete list of 180 (no more, no less) fiberhoods which qualified for Google Fiber service has been announced. With it, the approximate construction schedule has also been posted online, confirming Hanover Heights in Kansas (October) and Crown Center in Missouri (Spring 2013) will lead off the deployment for their respective areas. If you live in a qualifying area and have not signed up yet, you will be able to sign up or change plans when installations actually begin, which will be October 2nd in Hanover Heights. All of the info about Google's gigabit internet service and how to get it is at the blog and if you're still waffling, remember -- it has ESPN now.

Update: If that wasn't enough, Google has also expanded its channel lineup a bit more with Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, CNN en Español, CNN International, HLN, hTV, infinito, MLB Strikezone (as part of an add-on package),TBS, TCM: Turner Classic Movies, TNT and truTV.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

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Source: Google Fiber Blog, (2)

The official list of the first "fiberhoods" Google's Gigabit internet + TV service will be available in doesn't come out until tomorrow, but it's already looking like an even more attractive option thanks to a few newly announced channel additions. The team's blog post lists several ABC channels that will be available on the HDTV service, not the least of which is sports giant ESPN, along with ESPN2, Classic, Goal Line, Buzzer Beater, Deportes, ESPNews, Longhorn Network and ESPNU. We've confirmed ESPN3 is also included, while WatchESPN and WatchDisney mobile access is planned for the "near future." Overall it appears that ABC has squeezed its entire bundle including the Disney channels into the lineup (check the list after the break). That may not curry favor with those hoping for some revolutionary a la carte options, but should make switching to the $120 bundle easier for sports fans and families. Check the original launch announcement for more details on the Nexus 7-controlled service that blends standard TV and streaming options if you're pondering a move to Kansas City.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

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Source: Google Fiber Blog

Gigabit internet speeds are nothing more than a dream for most of us, but for residents of the Kansas Cities, that reality is not far off. The six-week pre-registration program for Google's Fiber network closed yesterday, and at least 180 of the 202 "fiberhoods" earmarked for the upgrade have met their target. That number could rise when all the late entries have been counted, but we won't know until the complete list of areas drops later this week. If yours doesn't make the cut, it's not all bad news: Google's Jenna Wandres told us that although this initial rollout covers Kansas City, KS, and central Kansas City, MO, Fiber will be expanding north and south of the Missouri side in the future. When pre-registration opens for this second round, the 20-some-odd areas that failed to meet the initial criteria will get a second chance to, so start being extra nice to the neighbors if you want to get them on board.

Unfortunately, we couldn't confirm even a ball park date for the expansion, but for the 180-plus hoods that qualify on this occasion, it's time to get excited. Any RTS gamer will know the value of getting your openers tight, and El Goog's currently compiling a "build order" so the areas that expressed the most interest in Fiber will have it first. According to Jenna, implementation is coming "very soon," so be ready to repress that hysterical scream when you see a Google truck casing your block.

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Via: Kansas City Star

Source: Google