Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) has received approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission that would allow it to offer video services over the 1 Gbps Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network it's building in Kansas City, Mo.
Following its move to finally begin work on building its FTTH network in both Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan., the service provider applied for video service franchises in both cities. Also, it applied for an application with the FCC to build a satellite farm near its data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
It is still waiting for a decision from the Kansas Corporation Commission over its pending application that also indicates an interest in delivering video services.
For now, the Internet search giant is being tightlipped about its video plans, saying that it's still mulling over what services and applications it would offer over the network.
A Google spokeswoman would only say that "the video franchise licenses were a necessary legal step, but the action doesn't mean Google will or will not pursue video services in Kansas City."
In addition to gaining necessary regulatory approvals to offer video, Google, as pointed out by FierceTelecom's sister publication FierceCable will have to negotiate deals with large content owners, including Viacom, Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), Disney (NYSE: DIS) and Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA). The service provider got a bit of a break last week when one of its main competitors AT&T, which is expanding its U-verse IPTV offering in Kansas City, Mo., gave it permission to hang its aerial fiber cables on the telephone poles it owns.
For more:
- Kansas City Journal has this article
- Here's FierceCable's take
Related articles:
AT&T expands U-verse reach in Kansas City, lets Google share poles
Google looks to accelerate FTTP connection process in Kansas City
Google to test out TV in Kansas City, Mo.
Google's Iowa satellite farm proposal could be a foundation for video services
Google to begin laying fiber in Kansas City