Google Fiber pausing plans for future metros, including Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale (Mesa: lawyers, construction)

[cjseliga]

Alphabet released a statement that they are going to pause their plans to roll out Google Fiber to potential fiber cities, including Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale.

Advancing our amazing bet

In terms of our existing footprint, in the cities where we’ve launched or are under construction, our work will continue. For most of our “potential Fiber cities” — those where we’ve been in exploratory discussions — we’re going to pause our operations and offices while we refine our approaches. We’re ever grateful to these cities for their ongoing partnership and patience, and we’re confident we’ll have an opportunity to resume our partnership discussions once we’ve advanced our technologies and solutions.

I'm not too surprised, a few months ago Alphabet decide to explore using a wireless system as a means to provide ultra-fast Internet service, instead of your typical laying fiber either in the ground or on a utility pole. It would be obviously cheaper to not have to dig up the road and your property to lay down all that fiber. I think the head of Google Fiber is also stepping down, it seems they were bleeding money left and right due to the enormous costs to run all that fiber.

[Mr_Polymath]

Another good reason to get out of here. I'm so sick of the trash Internet here.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by Mr_Polymath

Another good reason to get out of here. I'm so sick of the trash Internet here.

Hmm... in the city by city comparison we seem to do pretty well on average.

United States Speedtest Market Report

[Pink Jazz]

Had Google given the green light to its first three cities, here is how I think the buildout would have went (in order):

• Phase 2 - Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale
• Phase 3 - Gilbert and Peoria
• Phase 4 - Surprise, Avondale, Tolleson, El Mirage, and Sun Cities
• Phase 5 - Queen Creek, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park
• Phase 6 - San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, and Buckeye

The logic of my list is based on the geographic location of each city, since it is more cost effective to build in cities that are adjacent to an existing city, rather than building an entirely separate network in a non-adjacent city. Hence Avondale, Tolleson, and El Mirage I think would be built before Goodyear and Litchfield Park.

[azriverfan.]

In my opinion, Cox communications was successful in blocking this development with their lawsuit against Tempe. It's sad. The community lost a valuable asset due to politics and lawyers. After that, Google didn't want anything to do with this place knowing they might face similar suits in other cities here and deal with that headache. This is supposed to be a "pro-business state" that eliminates the red tape. Where were your local conservative politicians and Doug Ducey when it came to this. Where was the outcry? They were too busy supporting Donald Trump and worrying about social issues again.

[Obadno]

Originally Posted by Mr_Polymath

Another good reason to get out of here. I'm so sick of the trash Internet here.

My internet is pretty good


Maybe you shouldn't get the cheapest plan.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

In my opinion, Cox communications was successful in blocking this development with their lawsuit against Tempe. It's sad. The community lost a valuable asset due to politics and lawyers. After that, Google didn't want anything to do with this place knowing they might face similar suits in other cities here and deal with that headache. This is supposed to be a "pro-business state" that eliminates the red tape. Where were your local conservative politicians and Doug Ducey when it came to this. Where was the outcry? They were too busy supporting Donald Trump and worrying about social issues again.

The pause of the buildout affects all of the unbuilt future cities, not just the Phoenix area cities.

[Mr_Polymath]

Originally Posted by locolife

Hmm... in the city by city comparison we seem to do pretty well on average.

United States Speedtest Market Report

Change United States to Earth and no.

[Mr_Polymath]

Originally Posted by Obadno

My internet is pretty good


Maybe you shouldn't get the cheapest plan.

Maybe they should deliver their advertised speeds... and not throttle specific content.

[Dport7674]

I read somewhere that Google bought a company that provided wireless broadband. I assume they're betting on that being the future. I could be wrong of course.