Google To Launch Ultra High-Speed Broadband Pilot Program in Kansas City, Kansas

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2011 - Google announced Wednesday that it would launch a ultra high-speed network - which is capable of speeds more than 100 times faster than typical residential broadband - in Kansas City, Kansas, with service expected to begin sometime in 2012.

The decision concludes the company's search to bring its experimental fiber network to a community willing to partner with the Mountain View tech giant to investigate next-generation high-bandwidth applications, means of deployment and an open-access network with multiple provider choices.  According to Google, more than 1,100 cities expressed interest in becoming the nation's test ground for the experimental network.

"This project represents the future of how we connect to the web, and we want it to start in Kansas City," said Milo Medin, Vice President for Access Services at Google. "It is a real honor for Google to be here, and we will work hard to deliver a service that will delight and empower this community to lead the nation forward in broadband."

Google's network will provide residents of Kansas City with 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) service.  In comparison, that speed is nearly 100 times faster than the national average of approximately 10 megabits per second (Mbps).

The company plans to work with government and community organizations such as the Kauffman Foundation - which focuses on entrepreneurship and education -  and the University of Kansas Medical Center to develop next-generation applications.  Schools and city facilities will connect at no cost.

“The deployment of this high speed Internet service into our neighborhoods will undoubtedly further advance the academic vision and goals of our local schools and universities," said Kansas City Mayor, Joe Reardon. "Our students will benefit from this new opportunity allowing them to use this next generation fiber optic system to fully realize their potential in a global economy."