As bandwidth becomes a more pressing issue for small businesses and highly connected families who rely on things like mobile data and streaming video, Google has a new solution: Google Fiber. Google wants everyone to use the Internet as if it's an unlimited resource, and what better way than to slap a new look on old technology in order to bring gigabit Internet to homes and businesses? Google Fiber will bring more than "10 times the capacity of most of today's Internet connections in U.S. homes and small businesses," reports TechRepublic, catching the attention of consumers and leaving "techies salivating."
Fiber optics have been around for a while, but it wasn't until the 1990s when their usage really took off, with the emergence of the dot-com bubble. "The biggest advantage of fiber optics are their long-haul capabilities," writes TechRepublic, noting an ability to travel long distances with sufficient data transfer speeds that make fiber "more economical." While techies can't wait, we bet consumers are champing at the bit as well. I mean, we go to great lengths to show our co-workers a hilarious video online only to be crushed when, mid-punchline, we're met with a disheartening buffering signal.
Chicago could be one of the next cities to receive the gifts of Google Fiber. Considering the criteria Google uses to choose fiber cities—including an existing fiber network, proximity to a Google data center and a willing local government—Chicago seems a likely choice. It's also worth noting that Google's new West Loop building on Fulton Market is set to open later this year. The surrounding suburbs would be a great place for Google Fiber to start and then slowly move into the city center—that is, with the approval and support of the government.
So hey, Rahm, this could be a great way for Chicagoans to forgive some of your incendiary tax hikes. Maybe.