Google [GOOG] have announced that they are entering the ISP business with an experimental fiber network that could see speeds of up to 1GB/s reach homes in the US. The experimental stages will see Google provide the service to at least 50,000 homes in various cities which could be bumped up to near 500,000 shortly after.
Having the ability to get a 1GBps fiber in to homes would allow home users to download full HD movies in 3D within minutes and also would allow public services to stream real time data across to other locations with the service.
Other reasons for testing 1GBps connectivity in to homes (other than Google dominating the world), is to allow developers to create and test applications that require ultra fast connectivity.
Google have said in the announcement that they plan to have a completely open network that is run completely transparently. Perhaps this also indicates the issues of net neutrality and adhering to what that is all about.
Google have also said that they want your feedback on this. If you live in the US and want to see fast fiber near you then let them know about it. Obviously it wont guarantee that you'll get it in your town or city, but it will certainly increase the odds if you say something to them. Details of how to contact Google about this can be found over on the official site for this service found here.
Via: Google