Google explores Florida expansion for Fiber scheme

Google is exploring taking its Google Fiber broadband initiative to Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida, as well as to Oklahoma City in Oklahoma.

Google said it will start its joint planning process in the three cities, working side-by-side with local leaders to create detailed studies of each metro area.

“Constructing a brand new fiber network is a big job – the more we learn about a city, the smoother our construction efforts will be. We’ll study factors that may impact construction, like local infrastructure and housing density,” said Jill Szuchmacher, director, Google Fiber Expansion.

Google first started experimenting with Gigabit-speed broadband almost five years ago and now offers internet and fibre-powered TV services in Kansas City, Austin and Provo.

Upcoming Google Fiber cities include Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Nashville and Atlanta. Other cities currently under consideration for the project are San Diego, Portland, Louisville and Phoenix.

“Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, and Tampa will join 15 other metro areas where we’re serving customers, designing and building networks, or exploring the possibility of Google Fiber,” said Szuchmacher.