CHARLOTTE, NC – Internet speeds in the Queen City are about to get faster–and more affordable. With the launch of Google Fiber, Charlotte consumers are set to get internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than basic broadband. But it won’t be as easy as flipping a switch.
“We’re really going to plan out each and every route mile. Each and every pole attachment,” says Jill Szuchmacher, with Google Fiber. 6,000 miles of fiber optic cable will be installed over the next two years. CDOT will work with Google, which will lay 50 to 60 miles a week.
Areas of town will be grouped into “fiberhoods.” A certain number of households will have to sign up before Google will bring service there. And for now, it will only be available within city limits.
Still, Google Fiber has the potential to bring new jobs and innovation. “Economic development. We believe that this can really draw companies to Charlotte,” says Alan Fitzpatrick with DC 74 Data Centers. Fitzpatrick helped lead the charge to attract Google Fiber. He says it’s a game changer. “Google puts us on the map,” he says.
Fitzpatrick points to Kansas City as a place that saw growth in tech jobs and entrepreneurial startups when Google Fiber came. He predicts the same thing for Charlotte.
City leaders say pricing will be similar to Kansas City where basic broadband speed internet is free for seven years after installation fees. One gigabit internet costs $70 a month. And they offer one gigabit internet plus TV for $120 a month.
While Google hasn’t set a timetable, city leaders say they anticipate the first customers coming online in about two years.
Other service providers in Charlotte are reacting to the announcement. A spokesperson for Time Warner Cable says the company already offers speeds up to 10 gigabits for business customers. A representative for AT&T told us they welcome competition because it drives innovation.
