The Google subsidiary that is building a fiber-optic access network in the Kansas City area has filed applications to operate video services with the states of Missouri and Kansas.
The subsidiary, Google Fiber, has also requested permission from the FCC to erect a satellite-receiving dish in Council Bluffs, Iowa, according to multiple media reports. That’s near one of its data centers, and it’s also within about 200 miles of Kansas City.
The moves are strong indicators that Google is preparing to offer competitive video services, in line with expectations ever since Google first announced it was planning to build a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network more than two years ago.
The only thing lacking is a public confirmation from Google, which all along has said, and is still saying, only that it is evaluating its options.
Google expects to begin providing at least broadband service to at least some areas in or around Kansas City sometime in the summer.
Of course, Google would need access to content. Various news reports have suggested that Google was in talks with several programmers, but again, Google has not commented.
Filed Under: Industry regulations