After much discussion and months of rumors, it is now official that Google Fiber will be installing its network in Raleigh, Durham, and six other cities.
North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory joined the mayors of seven communities, as well as Michael Slinger of Google, to make the announcement on January 27.
Slinger said that Google started working with the various communities in the Triangle last year and, because the company was impressed with the hard work carried out by the seven municipalities, it decided to implement the project. The fiber-optic network Google plans to install will bring fast internet and television services to both residential and commercial customers.
Google Fiber provides Internet service at a speed more than 100 times faster than ordinary broadband, while its television provides all-HD service. Google Fiber has been installed in several other cities around the country, including Austin in Texas, Provo in Utah, and Kansas City on both sides of the Kansas and Missouri state line.
Slinger said these cities are using the network for entrepreneurial activities, research, and innovation, in addition to entertainment. He also noted that the Triangle is fast-growing region, as well as a hub of technology and creativity, which makes it ideal for Google Fiber.
Government officials in the various communities that will have Google Fiber installed could work with brochure printers on a booklet to be mailed to residents, explaining the new service and the advantages of using it.
