Google to launch experimental 1Gbps fiber-to-the-home network

: Image via CrunchBase

Google plans to roll-out an experimental trial

of an ultra high-speed 1 gigabit per second (1Gbps) fiber-to-the-home (FFTH) broadband service that is around 100 times faster than most Americans experience today. Google says the service will be delivered to a number of cities or communities – 50,000 to 500,000 residents – somewhere of its choosing in the USA in a effort to investigate new ways of making Internet access better and faster for everyone.

Internet at this speed means remotely-located doctors could quickly check 3D medical images of patients sent by a clinic thousands of miles away, universities could share facilities on-line with other campuses without tying up precious resources and, at home, viewers could live stream any HD content or download a HD full length movie before they’ve finished making a cup of coffee.

Google product manager James Kelly says all these applications are possible and a broadband network this fast opens up opportunities for applications we haven’t dreamed of yet.