Google Fiber (NASDAQ:GOOG) is planning to deploy its gigabit Internet service to some apartments, condos, and affordable housing properties in San Francisco via existing fiber, rather than building a network from scratch. The company says the decision was based on speed to market and the city's challenging geography. Timeline and specific properties to be connected have not been announced.
Google Fiber will also be providing free gigabit Internet to some public and affordable housing properties in the city, as well as digital education classes to help people to set up email accounts, apply for jobs, access content across the web, and more.
Earlier this week, Google Fiber announced a deal with Huntsville, AL, under which Google will run on a municipally owned network, rather than building its own.
The company currently offers its gigabit-capable FTTH service in Provo, UT; Kansas City (the first Google Fiber market); and Austin, TX. Google is building in Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, NC. Other cities under consideration include Chicago; Los Angeles; Portland, OR; San Jose, Irvine and San Diego, CA; Phoenix; Oklahoma City; Louisville, KY; and Jacksonville and Tampa, FL.