On Monday, Google quietly filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission seeking permission to conduct tests in California. These tests were across different wireless spectrums, including one frequency capable of transmitting large amounts of data.
Why is Google doing this? Google could be testing the waters with its ultra-fast wireless service.
Google’s ability to send wireless internet to a consumers home could cut the need for cable or fiber connection. This option for consumers will likely be a huge concern for companies like Verizon, AT&T and Comcast, which dominate the industry with land-based broadband services.
“From a radio standpoint it’s the closest thing to fibre there is,” said Stephen Crowley, a wireless engineer and consultant who monitors FCC filings. “You could look at it as a possible wireless extension of their Google Fiber wireless network, as a way to more economically serve homes. Put up a pole in a neighbourhood, instead of having to run fibre to each home.”
Internet service expansion isn’t a new thing for Google. In 2013, it provided free internet access to 7,000 Starbucks locations across America, and its ambition is to expand its high-speed Internet service to more than 30 U.S. cities.
Google’s application is for a 180-day test for “valuable insight into Google’s technology innovations and potential business plans and strategy,” with a goal to “expeditiously test radios in a way that is likely to contribute to the development, extension, expansion or utilization of the radio art.”
We’ll have to wait and see what Google does, but big internet company executives should be loosening their ties.
