PHX Joins Tempe in Approving Google Fiber

By Brenna Goth for The Arizona Republic

Phoenix became the second Valley city, joining Tempe, to approve a license agreement for Google Fiber, a super high-speed Internet and television service.

Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a license outlining access to city streets and right of ways to build and maintain the network, as well as several operation requirements. It’s the next step in a process that started last year when Google showed interest in expanding to the three cities.

Google has not committed to expanding its gigabit Internet service to the region, but cities are beginning to lay out the welcome mat. Scottsdale likely will consider a similar action and already approved the Internet behemoth’s use of city land to build “fiber huts.”

Google Fiber offers speeds up to 100 times faster than basic service, according to the company. The network is already available in a few cities, including Austin and Provo, Utah.

The Tempe City Council approved a license agreement with the company earlier this summer.

Phoenix council members said the technology — and the competition it would create between existing providers — would help boost the city’s economy.

Read more at The Arizona Republic