Google fiber is a little bit different from your local broadband provider. Google claims that its Internet connectivity can reach speeds up to 100 times faster than the typical American broadband connection. And while small towns like Olathe, Kansas are extremely fortunate to have the company provide this service in their community, the bigger question is what it will mean for existing telecom companies who are currently charging outrageous fees - and making great profits - providing mediocre broadband connectivity.
Until recently, the answer to that question was most likely "nothing". And that may be the long-term answer as well, but for now at least the FCC is making some noise about requiring Google-quality broadband connectivity in every U.S. state by 2015. Of course, such a statement doesn't mean very much at the moment, and the legal implications of such a requirement would be far-reaching and are likely never to be worked out. The legal wrangling and lawsuits surrounding such a requirement would last well beyond 2015, should the process start today.
Google believes that its ultra-fast fiber connectivity can create jobs and lube the wheels of local economies - and they're probably correct. With true, reliable immediacy in information exchange, productivity is only going to improve. Is it possible for the behemoths of the telecom industry to follow suit with their offerings? Probably - but it's unlikely to ever happen without a fight. For now, the status quo is far too profitable to consider allowing a major change in what consumers expect from their broadband connection.
Until recently, the answer to that question was most likely "nothing". And that may be the long-term answer as well, but for now at least the FCC is making some noise about requiring Google-quality broadband connectivity in every U.S. state by 2015. Of course, such a statement doesn't mean very much at the moment, and the legal implications of such a requirement would be far-reaching and are likely never to be worked out. The legal wrangling and lawsuits surrounding such a requirement would last well beyond 2015, should the process start today.
Google believes that its ultra-fast fiber connectivity can create jobs and lube the wheels of local economies - and they're probably correct. With true, reliable immediacy in information exchange, productivity is only going to improve. Is it possible for the behemoths of the telecom industry to follow suit with their offerings? Probably - but it's unlikely to ever happen without a fight. For now, the status quo is far too profitable to consider allowing a major change in what consumers expect from their broadband connection.
