Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) finally made the grand introduction of its much-hyped 1 Gbps Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) service in Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo.
In deciding where to bring the service first, the service provider has divided up the cities into what it calls "fiberhoods." Before rolling out service, each of the "fiberhoods" needs a minimum number of residents to sign up for service over the next six weeks.
"We're going to deploy our network where there is enough interest, and we're going to deploy soonest in areas where there is the most interest," Google Access general manager Kevin Lo said at a launch event in Kansas City.
Google will take on established incumbent cable operators Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) and AT&T (NYSE: T) in Kansas City, which have their own triple-play service offerings over existing HFC and hybrid copper/fiber last-mile networks.
So what's the cost of the service?
After paying a $300 fee to get the service installed at a home, customers will have the option of three main packages. Google will waive the installation fee for the first two packages if subscribers agree to a two-year contract.
For $120 a month, eligible users will be able to get a package that includes a 1 Gbps Internet connection, hundreds of high-definition networks and a Nexus 7 tablet computer that will operate as a remote control for its video service. With the $70-a-month second plan, users will get Internet and 1TB of storage on Google Drive, while a third plan will offer 5/1 Mbps Internet service.
Google Fiber TV will offer hundreds of TV channels and on-demand films and series, in addition to an eight-tuner, 2TB DVR and a free Nexus 7 tablet to use as remote control.
Besides saying that subscribers can order the new products at Google.com/fiber, it would not reveal where it will launch the service or when it will go live.
For more:
- The Verge has this article
Commentary: Google Fiber TV disappoints in Kansas City, but will spur innovation in cable industry
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