According to some new documents, it appears that Google is considering deploying city-wide Wi-Fi service in cities that receive Google Fiber.
As if a city receiving Google Fiber wasn't already awesome enough with its amazing speeds, it seems that Google is also pondering making Wi-Fi available wherever you may go. PCWorld is reporting that documents sent out to 34 potential cities contains no specific Wi-Fi plans, but does state that it will be "discussing our Wi-Fi plans and related requirements with your city as we move forward with your city during this planning process."
Currently all 34 cities are just in the petitioning process to receive Google Fiber which includes sending detailed information to the company about the state of roads, access to cable pipes and more. The cities have until May 1 to return that information to Google and then the company will announce its decisions by the end of the year.
Should Google choose to roll out the Wi-Fi service, it seems logical that Kansas City – which has been the test bed for Google Fiber since its inception – would be the first to receive it. The problem is, however, being familiar with the city I can tell you that it is extremely spread out. While a Wi-Fi deployment would work in the downtown area, especially around the well-known Plaza shopping district, the suburbs would be extremely difficult to cover. This is sure to be a problem no matter where this project was rolled out, so before you begin thinking of a wonderful Utopian world where you always covered by Wi-Fi from Google Fiber, keep in mind there will be a lot of logistics to be worked out.
Google's only statement on the matter of potential Google Fiber Wi-Fi service is, "We'd love to be able to bring Wi-Fi access to all of our Fiber cities, but we don't have any specific plans to announce right now."
