[admin]

Google is weighing the possibility of launching its own wireless service in markets where it offers its Google Fiber, according to a report in The Information.

Google’s plan is to become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator buying service, possibly through a partnership with Sprint or Verizon Wireless at wholesale prices and reselling it to consumers under its own brand.

Some speculate that Google will use the licensed network as a stepping stone to building out its own network of towers, perhaps supplementing the licensed service with its own.

With its own towers, Google would be in full control of its wireless service and could turn it into a “Google Fiber in the sky,” which would put the same pricing and speed pressure on wireless carriers that Google Fiber puts on its land-based counterparts.

The 5 GHz band now allows outdoor, high power 802.11ac in the lower part of the band. Dish Networks, which as some 45 Mhz in the 2 GHz band and next year’s 600 MHz auction, could be additional possibilities for Google.

Google currently offers Google Fiber in Kansas City, Mo., and Provo, Utah, and plans to bring it to Austin, Texas.

In February, Google said it may bring its 1 Gbps fiber to the home service to an additional 34 cities across 9 U.S. metro areas.

Cloud-RAN is the cellular network architecture for the future. Fiber to the small cell can deliver broadband wireless to tiny wireless nodes. Without the bulky infrastructure. With 600 MHz, 2.6 and 5 GHz, smart cities may be mobilized.

The Oregonian reports this week that Portland officials are scratching their heads as they try to match the company’s stated requirements with city rules and resources.

Google, for example, wants to put small networking cabinets in the public right of way around the city. They’re small – two feet on each side and four feet high – but it’s not the sort of thing Portland currently allows.

And Google wants to install bigger boxes, what it calls “network huts,” on public property to house its equipment and fiber. Each is 12 feet by 28 feet, meaning they’re too big for the right of way along public streets.

Google estimates it will need one hut for every 20,000 homes served – Portland estimates that will mean 15 across the city, and one to five huts in each of the suburbs. Portland is currently reviewing zoning for properties across the city, looking for sites that could accommodate huts.

Utilities, or their customers, typically pay for access to the public rights of way. Portland is currently negotiating a franchise agreement with Google and officials have indicated they plan to levy a franchise fee — but haven’t said how much.

Related Fiber Optic articles on Dailywireless include; Google Fiber Expands to More Cities, Google Fiber Launches in Kansas City , Google Blasts Kansas Bill to Limit Fiber Competition, It’s Official: Austin Gets Google Fiber, Kansas City Wins Google Fiber, Gigabit Seattle: Late Paying Bills, RUS Awards $1.2B for Broadband, City Fiber Strategies, US Broadband Sub Count, Hawaii Plans Broadband Initiative, Unlicensed Muni Broadband: Take Two?, Ten Largest Data Centers, The Fiber Utility, 1 Gbps Fiber Comes Home,

Posted on Fri, 04 Apr 2014 15:36:33 +0000 at http://www.dailywireless.org/2014/04/04/...-wireless/
Comments: http://www.dailywireless.org/2014/04/04/.../#comments