FAQ
What’s the big deal, why should I care?
So you’ve heard of Google, right? The single largest search engine and one of the leading software development companies in the world! They are offering to build an experimental network in a community with speeds up to 100 times faster than current internet speeds at an affordable price. It will change how communities access information and interact with the world.
Also, the City of Boulder is known the world over for our forward thinking, progressive and cutting-edge policies, trends and companies. Outside of having a ridiculously fast internet connection – this project will propel the city, community and business efforts to the next level through increased economic growth, improve health care, and advance education. Boulder is already on the map; help us make that pin bigger.
Why is Google doing this?
Google states in the Fiber for the Communities request for information that their goal is to experiment with new ways of making Internet access better and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that Google has in mind:
Next generation applications: They want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it’s creating new bandwidth-intensive “killer apps” and services, or other uses we can’t imagine yet.
New deployment techniques: They’ll test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, they’ll share key lessons learned with the world.
Openness and choice: They’ll operate an “open access” network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with their past advocacy, they’ll manage their network in an open, non-discriminatory, and transparent way.
To paraphrase, Google believes that consumers in the United States do not have the choice of services at competitive prices that other countries enjoy. This lack of competition does not drive innovation to create new products and services. By building an “open-access” network, Google can enjoy economies of scale that will drive down the cost to provide high-bandwidth services. Consumers can expect to see new and familiar service providers delivering a greater variety of communications services. Some of those service providers and services will probably be right here in Boulder.
Google is experimenting with a different business model to build and operate last-mile networks. The most expensive part of building a broadband network is the last mile to the home or business. Presently a service provider builds their own network to deliver their services. This type of network is typically less utilized than a network with several service providers on it; therefore, it is more costly to deliver service. That is why our current service providers cannot afford run fiber all the way to each home and business currently. Google is experimenting with a model where one entity owns the infrastructure or fiber network and the service provider leases capacity on that network. Boulder understands this business model and will work with Google, just as it would with any other network provider, to make it a success. We have local firms with decades of experience in building and operating fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber-to-the-business (FTTB) networks. Also we have the forum, through Silicon Flatirons, to share what we learn with the rest of the world.
Outside of fast internet, what could this bring to the community?
This project could mean more jobs, economic vitality, and enhanced communications services to all sectors of the community. Think about it. New, amazing technologies live in only one place. We have to lay the infrastructure first, so merely building it would create jobs. Once finished, communications service providers will offer a vast array of voice, video, and data services to homes and businesses. Google fiber will likely draw interest from all kinds of organizations, technology firms, and businesses of all shapes and sizes that want to leverage the power of this network. This technology could also help enhance residents’ services, the schools our children attend, health care, and our world-class university and research facilities.
Does this mean I will purchase Internet services from Google?
Google has not provided details about Internet service would be provided. However, Google has indicated that they intend to build the fiber network with services offered at competitive prices by third party providers. Their goal is to drive up utilization of the network.
Okay, how fast will this internet really be? And what is a Gigabit per second?
Think of it this way; say you want to fill a glass with water from the faucet. You want a full glass (or a completely loaded Web site, or video or service). The more you turn the handle, the easier it is to fill the glass. Internet speeds function exactly the same way. Currently, Internet service providers control the faucet handle, and compared to what Google is proposing, we only get drops at a time to fill our glass. Google fiber will crank the faucet at full blast, for everyone. So instead of drops of information at a time, you can fill your glass in seconds.
In other words, people in your house could be watching several different high definition movies simultaneously while the kids are playing video games or attending a class in virtual reality. A specialist at the Mayo Clinic could review your CT scan with you and your doctor. Many of the uses for this quantity of bandwidth haven’t even been realized which you can help shape.
Are you thirsty for ultra-fast internet? Help us help you! Nominate Boulder! Click on the link to go back to the home page to complete the simple two-step nomination process.
Who is paying for submitting the response?
The entire Boulder Fiber project is a grass-roots effort supported by the city. All expenses incurred by the team have been paid for by donations from contributors. All labor and expertise in the project has been kindly donated by the contributors. Please visit the “Contributors” page to see all of the fine people and organizations working to bring this marvelous opportunity to Boulder. If you would like to make a contribution, please e-mail boulderfiber@gmail.com and we will contact you.
Who will pay for the network?
Google is planning to build and operate this fiber-based network leveraging the extensive assets that already exist in Boulder. Although the city fully supports Google’s effort from a regulatory standpoint and access to right-of-ways, it will not be financing the building of this network. Google will be responsible for any costs incurred during the construction and operation of this network just as other network providers are responsible.
Won’t Google be tearing up all of the streets in the city to bury fiber?
Some construction is inevitable in the deployment of fiber to all homes and businesses. The city already has an extensive quantity of fiber and conduit deployed that Google can utilize without road construction. They can pull additional fiber through that conduit without any traffic interruption. Some of the right-of-ways in residential areas residential areas reside along streets or behind homes so the streets will be unaffected. The final drop to the home will not be installed until the subscriber actually purchases a service utilizing the fiber. There are also numerous techniques that do not require street modification to deploy fiber. Fiber can be blown under streets or pulled through gas and sewer mains. Google wants to try these and other techniques to minimize the disruption in the community. The city has experience working with several local contractors in the use of these minimally invasive techniques. In the case that road construction is required, the city will work with Google to plan any construction during typical construction and maintenance cycles for that particular road to minimize disruption to the public.
How long will it take before I get fiber to my house or business?
Google has not set a specific time-line for deployment of this network. The city will work with Google to plan the build-out of the network intelligently. There are several planning tools available to optimize the design and build-out of the network. We are already utilizing one of those tools, based on Google software development platforms, to collect your votes. This network management system tracks where potential consumers are located against existing facilities. This information is used to determine where to build new facilities and how much it will cost. All of this planning will ensure that the network can be brought to the maximum number of homes cost-effectively. Keep in mind that the current communications infrastructure was built over a century. This network will be built in a fraction of the time to build the current network.
Where can I find more information about Google’s Fiber project?
Simply visit, http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/ and while you’re there nominate Boulder!