Monday, October 3, 2016

Google Fiber Really is Going Hybrid

Google Fiber, Comcast and CableLabs all are interested in business potential of shared spectrum in the 3.5-GHz band. For Comcast and CableLabs the attraction might skew more to use of the shared spectrum to support mobile access.

For Google Fiber the issue is more likely related to fixed wireless as a complement to the Google Fiber service.

If you had questions about whether Google Fiber was serious about using fixed wireless to reach its customers, consider what Dennis Kish, Google Fiber president, says: “As we’ve said, our strategy going forward will be a hybrid approach with wireless playing an integral part.”


Among other things, Google has applied for permission to widely test 3.5-GHz shared spectrum at 24 U.S. locations, especially including areas where interference with licensed users would be expected to be an issue. Google already is testing shared spectrum in that band in Kansas City, Mo.

“Webpass (a wireless Internet service provider now part of Google Fiber) has proven that point-to-point wireless is a reliable way to connect more people to high-speed Internet in a densely populated environment,” said Kish. “Google Fiber will continue to build out our portfolio of wireless and fiber technologies.”

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