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Google Fiber sign-ups begin in Provo, but only for a lucky few
Provo citizens who've been craving Google Fiber can finally sign up for service -- some of them, anyway. Google is now accepting early registrations from Veracity Networks' residential customers, whose internet access is already linked to the former iProvo network that Fiber will use. Qualifying locals who register by October 31st will get Google's internet and IPTV services before anyone else, with pricing unchanged from what Google offers in Kansas City. Be prepared to wait if you're not one of the fortunate few, though, as Google won't start general sign-ups until January.
Google paying $1 to run Provo fiber, must build it out within five years
While it's well-established that Google Fiber's expansion into Provo, Utah hinges on Google buying the city's existing iProvo network, we didn't immediately learn what it took to land the tentative deal. Newly available details of the agreement reveal that the up-front cost is largely in the visitor's favor -- it's the long-term development that rewards the locals. Google only pays $1 to buy the local fiber network, but it has five years to finish upgrades and deployments that could ultimately cost $30 million, according to the Deputy Mayor's estimates. About the only remaining costs for Provo are its already existing (if significant) development loans, and the city can always buy the network back for $1 if things go sour. The pact also leaves the door open to public WiFi, although there are no guarantees that Google will mirror its New York City efforts anytime soon. When the search giant has a very healthy bank balance, we doubt there will be much quibbling over the exact terms; just know that the arrangement isn't strictly one-sided.
Provo, Utah sells iProvo fiber-optic network to Broadweave
iProvo, the largest municipally owned fiber-to-the-premises network in the entire United States, has just been sold to Broadweave Networks. The Provo, Utah-based network actually reaches all 36,000 residents and businesses of the city, and manages to connect homes, businesses, government buildings, schools and even traffic signals. The sale price was $40.6 million, which is plenty to retire the outstanding bonds incurred by Provo to build the system. The City itself seems quite pleased, as it gains the advantage of the sale and it continues to enjoy the benefits of the infrastructure. Under the agreement, Broadweave will act as the network owner and service provider, while Provo retains a license to keep on using the fiber as it has in the past. Best of all, the new owner has already promised to "invest heavily in network upgrades in order to increase capacity, features, and performance for commercial customers," though we aren't sure if that means more HD content is on the way.
HD DVRs now available for iProvo customers
Mstar and Nuvont subscribers on the iProvo network can now look forward to recording their favorite programs for later viewing in high-definition after dealing with SD DVRs up until now. In case you weren't aware, iProvo is a municipally-owned FTTH service serving the residents of Provo, Utah, and it relies on the two aforementioned service providers to dish out content to customers. Previously, users were able to watch shows in HD but only record in SD, and while specifics weren't doled out, we do know the new set-top-boxes will support HDMI. If this tidbit has your name written all over it, be sure and hit the read link for the appropriate contact number to inquire about pricing and availability.Update: Tsuami alerts us that Mstar has yet to make these available -- hopefully that'll change soon enough.
