In early 2010, Google announced that it was going to pick one city and build a gigabit fiber optic internet network there. Google had no idea that it would spark a pent-up demand for better and reliable internet service across the country. The telcos (AT&T, Verizon) and cable companies (Comcast, Time Warner) were monopolies that couldn’t care less about what was truly needed. (And still don’t.) Over 1,100 municipalities applied to Google’s Fiber for Communities initiative. It took Google by surprise.
Spiral Internet jumped in from the start, walking across the street to City Hall on the day of that announcement to meet with then Nevada City City Manager, Gene Albaugh. We asked if we could apply on behalf of Nevada City. His response was a resounding, “Yes!”
The event, and then video that were produced for that initiative, let us know that Nevada County wanted much faster internet. The promotion that came out of 95959google was outstanding. You can take a short trip back in time to remember what happened as a result of 95959google.com At Spiral, we knew Google would never pick us, but we also knew that we could build our own (and actually as it is turning out) better network.
Last month, Alphabet (Google’s new parent company) announced that it was putting a pause on deploying new fiber optic networks. Susan Crawford (author of “Captive Audience” and one of our heroes) today posted “Google Fiber Was Doomed From the Start” — an article on BackChannel that provides some good insight into why Google Fiber was going to sputter and die. Definitely worth reading.
We know that it is expensive and time-consuming to build new fiber optic networks. It takes insight and fortitude to make it happen and go the course. We also know that the communities that go forward with these builds will prosper in ways that we can, now, only imagine. Large telcos, cable companies and corporations that are accustomed to astronomical profits year after year, cannot see the benefit of investing in long-term sustainable projects. But smaller regionally-based ISPs and municipalities do see that value.
Once Spiral breaks ground later this year — and residences and businesses begin to have access to unlimited symmetrical gigabit internet access — we will see that magic begin to transpire. In hindsight, we’re glad Google didn’t pick Nevada County. And that we did.
Am I to understand that if we live in Service Area A, and the particular area we live in doesn’t meet this so-called commitment requirement, we won’t be getting service? From what I can see, none of the areas have met that as of yet? I assume this will change when you have an actual product to sell versus a promise, but can you explain what this “zoning” is for? Thanks.
Hi Steve. You’ll be glad to hear that we are funded to provide all of Service Area A with service. And the project is real, we just had our environmental report approved. We have two years to complete the project, once we break ground later this summer. We set up “neighborhood zones” for friendly competition. Our first phase (or Service Area A) is comprised of 38 zones (or neighborhoods). We will connect the neighborhoods with the most sign-ups first (so highest percentages of people making the $119 deposit). That makes cash flow happen sooner, and frankly makes our private investors happiest. So, no worries, even if you’re the only person on the street, you will get connected, although it may be near the end of the construction cycle. If you have any questions, or would like to become your Neighborhood Champion, please contact Nick, Spiral’s Neighborhood Coordinator, at 478-9822 x203. Thanks. John