Google launches Kansas City fiber net, intros Google Fiber TV

Google launched its 1-gigabit-per-second broadband service in Kansas City yesterday and also unveiled a new interactive television service called Google Fiber TV.

The service will offer residents in selected parts of the metropolitan area in both Kansas and Missouri the option of purchasing the gigabit Internet service for $70 a month or both the Internet and a television service for $120 a month. The TV service, Google said, comes with a Nexus 7 tablet that serves as a remote.

Residents are being asked to band together with their neighbours, and if between 40 and 80 people in one area have registered in the next six weeks, Google will begin rolling out fibre to their area. Customers will need to pay US$300 to have the fibre installed, but for the introductory period, Google is waiving this fee for two of the plans.

"The next phase of the Internet, the next chapter of the Internet is written here today," Patrick Pichette, Google's chief financial officer, said in an interview after a presentation that included video demonstrations. "We believe the Internet should give these high speeds to everyone in the U.S.," Mr. Pichette said. "It's about making it available. Our showcase is here."

As part of the program, Google says it will also connect community buildings like schools, libraries and hospitals with free Gigabit Internet if the "fiberhoods" reach their preregistration goals.

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