NATOA Applauds Google’s Plans for Fiber Broadband Networks
As the company explained, its “goal is to
experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for
everyone.” The pilot networks will deliver high-capacity, competitively priced
service to up to 500,000 people.
“NATOA and its members are pleased to see
Google’s significant commitment to working with localities to take steps toward
solving the nation’s broadband deficit,” said Tonya Rideout, NATOA’s acting
executive director. “Local governments have been creatively and actively trying
to meet their urban, suburban, and rural communities’ broadband needs for more
than 15 years. We welcome collaboration with Google.”
NATOA is particularly pleased that Google plans
to work with local governments and respect land use ordinances and other local
requirements. Further, the company’s decision to target the emerging
international standard for broadband speeds and its commitment to true open
access, allowing multiple operators to compete over the same platform,
represent a welcome embrace of best practices in network development.
NATOA is the national association that
represents local governments on communications matters and promotes community
interests in communications. NATOA
members have worked with private sector partners to facilitate broadband
deployment in their communities for more than a decade. In addition, hundreds of NATOA members have
built and operate fiber optic networks that provide high-bandwidth, secure
communications to key community anchor institutions, such as schools,
libraries, and public safety.
Contact: Acting Executive Director Tonya
Rideout, 703.519.8035.