Google Fiber in Huntsville FAQ's

Google Fiber has announced it is bringing high-speed fiber optic cable TV and Internet service to Huntsville starting in 2017. Here are some frequently asked questions about the plan. (Sources: Huntsville city government and Google Fiber)

Q: What is fiber optic cable, and what is a fiber optic network?

A: Fiber optic cables are small glass threads or strands bundled together in cables. Internet data ranging from computer programs to HD-TV moves along fiber optic cable at the speed of light and is converted at the end point back to programs, charts, graphics, shows, games or whatever is being transmitted.   

Q: What is a gigabit and how does that compare to Internet available today?

A: Most homes in Huntsville access the web at speeds of 10-20 megabits per second. Google Fiber will increase that to at least 50-100Mbps and up to 1Gbps.

Q: Will every resident of Huntsville and Madison County have access to Google Fiber?

A: In the initial rollout, Google Fiber will be available to Huntsville residents and businesses in the Huntsville Utilities service area. Huntsville Utilities will build out the network into Madison and Madison with fiber optic cable available for lease to Google or other providers. There is no schedule for this now.

Q: How long will it take to build the network?

A: Huntsville hopes most people in the city limits have service available in four years. Some will have it  as soon as summer 2017.

Q: Who gets service first?

A: Huntsville Utilities is designing its fiber network now. Stay tuned to the Google Fiber network for details.

Q: What will Google Fiber cost?

A: Rates aren't firm yet, but Google Fiber charges about $70 a month for high-speed Internet and $130 for Internet plus TV in other cities.

Q: What will it cost Huntsville Utilities to build the network?

A: Estimates put the first phase cost at $55- $60 million.

Q: Will utility rates go up to pay for the fiber rollout?

A: No. The fiber rollout is not connected to customers' utility bills. Huntsville Utilities expects to "recoup much of its construction and maintenance costs" leasing the fiber to Google and other providers.

Q: Why is Huntsville pursuing this path instead of building a complete-service network like Chattanooga's?

A: The city says Huntsville Utilities needed a fiber system for the city's own needs and decided leasing fiber would help pay for that system and provide the service to residents and businesses.

Q: What city authorities will have to approve this and when?

A: The Huntsville City Council has already approved Huntsville Utilities setting rates to lease fiber access.  The utilities' board will meet to approve legal agreements and the rate schedule on Tuesday.

Q: Why can't Google just build its own fiber network as it is in other cities?

A: Google says it is always looking for creative ways to bring Fiber to more people. When it heard Huntsville and Huntsville Utilities were planning to build their own network, it saw an opportunity to collaborate. Google says it is supporting the city's vision.

Q: Can other providers such as cable, telephone or Internet companies lease fiber and compete with Google?

A: Yes. Any provider can lease fiber.

Q: Isn't this just a big subsidy to Google?

A: Google Fiber and the city say no. "Huntsville Utilities was planning to build this fiber network with or without us," the company says. "And we're paying to lease fiber on that network (as any other provider can do), so they're actually going to be able to recoup part of their investment from our payments."

Q: Isn't this interference with the free market?

A: Google Fiber and the city say no. This will provide more competition and choice for residents, the company says, and is an opportunity any provider can take advantage of.