Google sheds new light on broadband plans

Moves forward with 1Gbit/s fibre network.

Google has posted an update concerning its planned high-speed fibre broadband network, and will announce the target market for the first tests by the end of the year.

The initial trial will cover a group ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people.

The project, announced in February, will provide 1Gbit/s fibre networks in targeted markets as a way of testing open broadband networks. Google will also make its broadband cables open to other service providers.

Interest in the project has been high since the announcement, and Google claims that some 600 community groups have expressed interest in participating, as well as more than 190,000 individuals.

Cities such as Topeka, Kansas and Rancho Cucamonga, California have jokingly pledged to change their names to 'Google, Kansas' and 'Rancho Googlemonga' should the company choose the cities for the project.

Google will visit prospective sites and speak with local leaders and community groups before making a final decision later this year.

"This enthusiasm is much bigger than Google and our experimental network," wrote Google product manager James Kelly in a blog post.

"If one message has come through loud and clear, it's that people across the country are hungry for better and faster internet access."