Google Fiber has decided to shut down their fiber service in Louisville, Kentucky and pay $3.84 Million to assist in rebuilding the infrastructure when the fiber lines are pulled out. Back in February, Google announced they would close their fiber-based network in Louisville by April 15th. This is because, during the installing of the Fiber, Google used new shallow trenching tech that enabled them to lay the fiber down faster than anything before. However, it created some of the cables to be exposed. In a blog post from Google, they explain why they are leaving Louisville. “We would need to essentially rebuild our entire network in Louisville to provide the great service that Google Fiber is known for, and that’s just not the right business decision for us.”
Google will use the $3.84 million to start removing fiber cables and sealant from roads, repaving roads, and removal of any aboveground infrastructure. Google plans to have everything done in 20 months. Back in 2010, Google disrupted the telecom industry when it announced fiber-to-the-home internet service. They predicted that speeds were up to 100 times faster than average speeds and speeds up to a gigabit per second. “It’s clear that Google Fiber’s presence in Louisville led other providers to step up and increase investment in Louisville, and that was good news for consumers everywhere,” said Grace Simrall, LMG’s chief of civic innovation and technology, in a statement. “Moreover, we appreciate Google Fiber’s donation to our digital inclusion work, because improving equity in access to technology and digital skills is essential for Louisville’s economy today and tomorrow.”
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