Google possibly investigating high-speed wireless alternatives to fiber

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in google on (#2TEA)
On Monday, Google sought permission from the Federal Communications Commission to conduct tests of "proprietary wireless applications" in a section of the electromagnetic spectrum that experts say could serve as a perfect replacement for fiber. Google declined to comment on its application for experimental radio service licenses for the 5.8 GHz, 24 GHz, 72 GHz and 82 GHz bands. In correspondence with the FCC, Google went so far as to request confidential treatment.

This is spurring speculation that Google may be looking to wireless alternatives for gigabit speed internet access in future Google Fiber cities. This could allow them to run fiber to the block, and use wireless distribution for the last-mile. Potentially, a cheaper alternative to costly fiber roll-outs to individual homes.

High frequency spectrum is "not an unreasonable way to think about replacing fiber to the home," McFarland said. "However you'd need a clear line of sight. You could have something on a telephone pole on the street, and you could point it at an antenna on top of your house. As long as you had no obstructions, you could get multiple gigabits per second."

and no digging (Score: 1)

by zafiro17@pipedot.org on 2014-10-17 09:46 (#2TED)

It seems like a reasonable line of inquiry, at any rate. Why invest all that time, effort, and money digging trenches and laying cable when wireless infrastructure can be put up so much more easily? Back in 2000 I had an office whose internet connection was provided by a microwave link across town to the ISP via an antenna on both roofs. Seemed like magic back then - can't imagine that technology hasn't improved scads since then.

Downside: bomb that antenna, and the city is offline. A nice move for any aspiring dictator.
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