Alphabet will likely pursue other ways to deliver high-speed fiber-optic internet service.
Alphabet is halting plans to expand its fiber-optic internet network, Google Fiber, which not long ago had cities competing to attract service. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, had been in talks to install infrastructure in several cities including Dallas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The CEO of Access, the division that oversees Google Fiber, will step down, and will also see an undetermined reduction in staff.
The New York Times reports that Alphabet may be "shifting to new technologies and methods of deploying high-speed internet":
After years of costly investments to dig up roads and lay fiber optic cable, Google started considering alternatives, including wireless and fiber partnerships, that did not necessarily require the company to build a full network.
The service won’t shut down in the eight metropolitan areas where it exists—like Atlanta, Nashville, and Salt Lake City—or where construction is underway.
FULL STORY: Google Curbs Expansion of Fiber Optic Network, Cutting Jobs
City Stunts Try to Lure Fiber Optic Internet
A handful of American cities are hoping to become testing grounds for a new fiber optic Internet connection being offered by Google. To catch the company's eye, many of these cities are making concerted -- and sometimes audacious -- efforts.
Google's Decade of Land Acquisition Cresting During the Pandemic
According to reports, Google parent company Alphabet is pulling back on two massive land acquisition deals amidst the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. A development approval setback will also slow the company's expansion.
Breaking News: Google to Spend $1 Billion on Housing in the Bay Area
The tech industry giant answers a call to do more to help alleviate housing prices in the region it calls home by promising to build tens of thousands of units on its own land.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada