Kansas City wins Google's First 1Gbps internet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Google's announcement of launching a 1Gbps internet service in Kansas City, with participants exploring the implications of this new broadband service, its operational timeline, and related concerns about internet speed and data privacy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express excitement about the new service, noting it will be operational in 2012 and significantly faster than current internet speeds.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of slower external internet speeds on the benefits of the new service, with some questioning how much difference it would make if outside connections remain slow.
  • Participants discuss the role of core routers and the "last mile" issue, suggesting that the final connection to users is often the weakest link in internet speed.
  • There is a sentiment of jealousy from some participants regarding the selection of Kansas City over other cities like Milwaukee, attributed to local politics.
  • Some humorously note the confusion between Kansas City and Topeka, with references to a previous name change initiative by Google.
  • Questions arise about Google's potential data collection practices with the new service, with some participants suggesting that recording traffic is likely.
  • One participant expresses curiosity about the pricing of the service, indicating a lack of personal need for such high speeds and a reluctance to pay a premium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of excitement, skepticism, and humor regarding the announcement, with no clear consensus on the implications of the service or the potential issues surrounding it.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect uncertainty about the technical aspects of internet speed and infrastructure, particularly regarding the differences between core routers and last-mile connections. Additionally, there are varying opinions on the significance of Google's data collection practices.

Evo
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Who'd a thunk? It's supposed to be operational next year (2012), that is, of course, if the universe isn't destroyed in October this year. (thank you Borek for that information) :eek:

The new broadband service will deliver the Internet at over 1 gigabit per second or "100 times faster than what most Americans are used to," according to a Google background report. It will increase the speed of data transmissions, providing cleaner video signals and moving large files in a shorter amount of time.

"We want to be able to increase the speed of the Internet by a factor of 100," said Google executive Milo Medin. "This is the beginning, not the end, and we are starting in Kansas City, Kansas."

Read more: http://www.kmbc.com/money/27371174/detail.html#ixzz1MdT6l7r8

More about it.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/27923785/detail.html
 
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Evo said:
Who'd a thunk? It's supposed to be operational next year (2012), that is, of course, if the universe isn't destroyed in October this year. (thank you Borek for that information) :eek:



Read more: http://www.kmbc.com/money/27371174/detail.html#ixzz1MdT6l7r8

More about it.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/27923785/detail.html

Google prefers a state that has the least computer usage to mask out their scalability issues. :devil:
 
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I don't know how internet works but would it have much impact if outside internet is 100 times slower if the information will be going out/coming in from outside?
 
rootX said:
I don't know how internet works but would it have much impact if outside internet is 100 times slower if the information will be going out/coming in from outside?

The core routers (routers that are not dealing with the end user) are way way faster. It is the last mile (that's between the service provider to the subscriber) the weakest link.
 
I am jealous! I know Milwaukee was in the running but I think our politics got in the way :(
 
I guess renaming the city to Google, Kansas, even if only temporarily, didn't hurt.

The bad news is that it's the pilot city for Google TiSP. :biggrin:
 
jhae2.718 said:
I guess renaming the city to Google, Kansas, even if only temporarily, didn't hurt.

...except that was Topeka, not KC.

This story is nearly 1.5 months old...
 
Oops. Uh, Topeka and Kansas City, what's the difference?
 
Looking from here even differences between Milwaukee and Kansas are blurred. And that even if I see much better now than 10 hours ago.
 
  • #10
fss said:
...except that was Topeka, not KC.

This story is nearly 1.5 months old...
The updated announcement was just made today, (second link) it appears they will be offering the service in KC, MO also. They will be taking applications for service this fall.
 
  • #11
So, will Google be recording all the traffic to add to their ever-growing databases?
 
  • #12
jhae2.718 said:
So, will Google be recording all the traffic to add to their ever-growing databases?

Most likely.
 
  • #13
I'm curious how much they will charge. I don't have the need for that much speed, so I'm not willing to pay much.