Google Fiber potential next city will be Provo Utah

Google Fiber is looking for its third city and are in talks to have it. Provo, Utah is looking at selling their iProvo fiber network to Google pending the city counsel approves this. Google’s plan is to buy the exisiting network, which is about 10 years old, and upgrade it. They will also expand on it to reach more customers in the Provo area.

Here is what Google has to say about bringing the network up to date:

“In order to bring Fiber to Provo, we’ve signed an agreement to purchase iProvo, an existing fiber-optic network owned by the city. As a part of the acquisition, we would commit to upgrade the network to gigabit technology and finish network construction so that every home along the existing iProvo network would have the opportunity to connect to Google Fiber. Our agreement with Provo isn’t approved yet—it’s pending a vote by the City Council scheduled for next Tuesday, April 23. We intend to begin the network upgrades as soon as the closing conditions are satisfied and the deal is closed.”

Provo started building their own network in 2004 to deliver high speed internet access to their community. After building it they decided in 2011 to look for a partner to buy the network from the city, finish it, and provide the affordable high speed internet access. It looks like when Google decided to expand from Kansas City that it would be a good match for both side. Provo gets something most of the country is coveting currently along with their network finished and delivered to the city and Google gets to add a third city to its ranks. For Google this is only a win because i’m sure the cost is right for them to buy the network and upgrade it. Some reports have said Google Fiber will be up and running to customer by the end of the year if everything goes according to plan.

 

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