CenturyLink to Launch Omaha Gigabit Network "Pilot"

Google Fiber seems to be succeeding in changing ISP behavior about access bandwidth. Count CenturyLink as the latest big ISP to launch a gigabit network project. CenturyLink is going to build a gigabit network reaching 48,000 homes and businesses in part of Omaha, Neb. 


CenturyLink's service apparently will be available at first for 9,800 potential customers in west Omaha neighborhood that was a test bed for Qwest Communications "Choice TV," meaning meaning much of the physical infrastructure already is in place. 

The new service, called Lightspeed Broadband, will be available to all of the 48,000 households and businesses in that territory by October 2013.

The CenturyLink residential service will sell for $79.95 a month when bundled with other CenturyLink services, or for $149.95 a month a la carte. 

On a stand-alone basis, the CenturyLink service will sell for more than double what Google Fiber charges, though CenturyLink clearly would prefer customers buy a bundle.