Google Gets Into the TV Business

Back in March of 2011, Google announced that it was getting into the broadband business: As part of our overall goal to make the web better for users, last year we announced a new project: to provide ...
Google Gets Into the TV Business
Written by Mike Tuttle
  • Back in March of 2011, Google announced that it was getting into the broadband business:

    As part of our overall goal to make the web better for users, last year we announced a new project: to provide a community with Internet access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. The response was overwhelming—nearly 1,100 cities felt the need for speed—and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm we saw across the country for better and faster web connections. Thank you to every community and individual that submitted a response, joined a rally, starred in a YouTube video or otherwise participated.

    After a careful review, today we’re very happy to announce that we will build our ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas. We’ve signed a development agreement with the city, and we’ll be working closely with local organizations, businesses and universities to bring a next-generation web experience to the community.

    Pending approval from the city’s Board of Commissioners, we plan to offer service beginning in 2012. We’ll also be looking closely at ways to bring ultra high-speed Internet to other cities across the country.

    Over the past decade, the jump from dial-up to broadband has led to streaming online video, digital music sales, video conferencing over the web and countless other innovations that have transformed communication and commerce. We can’t wait to see what new products and services will emerge as Kansas City moves from traditional broadband to ultra high-speed fiber optic connections.

    Now, that aforementioned 2012 is here. And Kansas City is not only getting broadband, they’re getting Google TV, if the state approves their application. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal:

    “Google could launch its TV service as soon as a month or two from now, according to a media executive currently involved in negotiations to license channels to the service. The service would offer subscribers live TV, as well as on-demand and online access to TV channels, similar to services from major cable operators, this person said.

    While the plan for now is restricted to Kansas City, this person said Google had discussed expanding it to other markets that Verizon Communications Inc. hasn’t entered with its FiOS fiber-optic TV service. It remains unclear whether Google intends to do so, but it would have that right under at least some of the deals it is currently negotiating with TV channels, this person said.

    Earlier this month Google said it had begun laying fiber-optic cables in Kansas City, Mo., and neighboring Kansas City, Kan., that would provide Internet service at competitive rates to local residents but at speeds more than 100 times as fast as what is available today.”

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