Google today launched its own fiber-to-the-home initiative, promising to build open-access fiber networks in trial communities and then share what it learns with others.

In a video statement, James Kelly, project manager on Google's infrastructure team, announced a search for interested states, cities, or communities to participate in Google's experimental FTTH builds. Here it is:



Between now and March 26, interested municipalities can fill out a Request for Information in hopes of being selected as a trial community. [Ed. note: Shades of Google's troubled WiFi project, anyone?]

"We are doing this because we want to experiment with new ways to make the Web better and faster and better for everyone, allowing new applications that aren't possible today," Kelly said. "We are going to try out new ways to build and operate fiber networks and share what we learn with the world."

Google's trial FTTH networks will be open for use by other service providers, and will serve serve at least 50,000, and up to as many as 500,000, users, according to Kelly.

Google's leap into the FTTH business puts some pressure on both cable and telecom service providers, most of which aren't today offering fiber all the way to the home, and virtually none of which are offering open-access broadband networks.

The move also comes as the federal government releases the first round of funding for broadband networks to unserved and underserved areas.

There is no indication yet what new FTTH technology Google plans to trial.

— Carol Wilson, Chief Editor, Events, Light Reading