Google Fiber Seeks Growth But Has Yet To Service Initial Footprint

Google Fiber, which chose Kansas City as its surprise broadband testbed, now has the go-ahead to explore pulling fiber in Olathe, Kan., while skipping the more lucrative Johnson County, Kan., suburb of Overland Park. However, judging from the snail’s pace at which Google is building out its first 10 “fiberhoods” (and only seven of the 10 have even begun construction, with none up and running, says the Kansas City Star), it will be years before Olathe or any other area in Johnson County will see service. And then there is the competitive challenge. Right now, Google only is signing up subscribers in Time Warner Cable territory. Should it eventually move to Olathe, it has to take on Comcast.