Google Fiber: One step closer to coming to Arizona
Jul 30, 2015, 8:27 PM | Updated: Jul 31, 2015, 11:19 am
The City of Tempe wants to make sure Google Fiber comes to town.
The city council voted unanimously tonight to allow Google Fiber lines to be installed above ground.
If Google Fiber expands, Tempe would be one of the first cities in the country to boast the Internet giant’s ultra-high speed internet.
In a statement sent to KTAR, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell said it could bring big economic development and more jobs.
“Tempe is a city for innovative people. More and more entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses are moving to Tempe because they are attracted to what we offer and are excited about where we are going,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell.
“With the possible addition of Google Fiber, Tempe is about to become even more attractive,” he said. “Not only will our residents be on the cutting edge of tech, but this type of service will spur new economic development across our city,”
However, Google is still trying to decide what cities to expand the high speed internet service to. So far, Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale are in the running.
According to a Google spokesperson, “Tempe has been great to work with as we’ve explored bringing Google Fiber to the city, and this Video Services License is an important next step for our progress in the area. We look forward to continuing to work with Tempe and the rest of the Phoenix Valley as we consider bringing superfast Internet to metro Phoenix.”
Currently, Google Fiber services are available in Kansas City, Austin and Provo. Google is constructing new fiber networks in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Raleigh-Durham and Salt Lake City.
