Google Fiber Spread: 34 Cities In 9 Metro Areas Up For Bid

Today Google has let it be known that a collection of cities and metropolitan areas will be ready to roll for Google Fiber sooner than later. Potential cities on the map include areas in and around Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and San Jose. Already-included cities – if you somehow missed it – include Kansas City, Austin, and Provo.

With Google Fiber, users will be able to access fiber internet. With Google this means that the web is delivered up to 100 times after than basic broadband technology, and for most users it's either surprisingly inexpensive or – with some tweaks – completely free. We've had a whole collection of articles over the past year about Google Fiber, including a SlashGear 101 post Google Fiber: how do I get it in my home?

Google will be working with the cities that are up for bid in this initiative immediately if not soon. What we're seeing here is Google working with the local government, discussing with local councils and businesses what it'll take for Google to enter their area with this network.

"We're going to work on a detailed study of local factors that could affect construction, like topography (e.g., hills, flood zones), housing density and the condition of local infrastructure. Meanwhile, cities will complete a checklist of items that will help them get ready for a project of this scale and speed.

For example, they'll provide us with maps of existing conduit, water, gas and electricity lines so that we can plan where to place fiber. They'll also help us find ways to access existing infrastructure—like utility poles—so we don't unnecessarily dig up streets or have to put up a new pole next to an existing one." – Google

Right this minute, prospective users will want to get in contact with their local leaders to get involved in Google talks if they do so choose. While Google doesn't explicitly suggest that you head out to City Hall and get out your soapbox, there's alway site possibility it'll help.

Be reasonable, check to see what'll work best, and get that web up to speed as well as you can. We'll be updating you from our end here in our Google Fiber tag portal as well.