National CRE News In Your Inbox.
Sign up for Connect emails to stay informed with CRE stories that are 150 words or less.
Google Fiber is Speeding to LA – A Key For Economic Growth?
Alphabet Inc. aims to expand Google Fiber, it’s high-speed Internet network, to 17 new markets, including Los Angeles. The service includes speeds of 1 gigabyte per second, a speed that is about 40 times faster for uploading and 100 times quicker for downloading than what is used on average by LA residents.
To qualify for this service, the city must show the company that it has “efficient and predictable” permitting, access to network hubs, and a person available to streamline the adoption of this technology between the city and Google.
Luckily, this news comes shortly after LA closed a proposal designed to attract gigabit Internet access, including $1B in concessions like discounted real estate to store networking hardware and expedited permitting, among other offers. Chief Innovation Technology Office for the city, Peter Marx, noted this was designed with Google Fiber in mind, and that the increased competition amongst these service providers should keep prices low enough for equal access, even for low-income residents.
Mayor Eric Garcetti believes, “Expanding, improving and strengthening Internet access throughout Los Angeles is vital to further accelerating L.A.’s economic growth.”
