google-fiberThose hoping for super-fast fiber Internet across the nation from Google will have to wait.

The search giant announced Thursday that it will delay a decision to roll out its fiber network to residents in Portland and several other metros areas in the U.S.

Back in February, Google announced a list of cities that it would begin researching as possible places to install its Google Fiber service, with a goal of making a final decision by this month.

But now Google says it needs more time to iron out potential projects in each city and hopes to provide an update “sometime early next year.” This isn’t all that surprising for Google, which previously delayed its fiber rollout in Kansas City and Austin.

In June, Portland inched closer to having Google Fiber after the city council unanimously approved Google’s 10-year franchise agreement to install and operate a fiber Internet network throughout the Rose City, which promises Internet speeds 100 times faster than typical broadband in addition to a cable TV service. Google still needs to assess factors like regulations and topography before officially committing to the Portland project, which includes service to five suburbs.

Seattle skyline and Rainier at sunset
(Photo by Kevin Lisota)

Meanwhile up in Seattle, Google has shown little to no interest in setting up a fiber network. Former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn actually tried convincing Google to bring its fiber Internet into his city back in 2010, but ultimately the Emerald City was not picked.

Seattleites came close to having fiber Internet available to residential homes last year, but a deal with Gigabit Squared fell through after the private company failed to raise adequate funding and instead left the city with an unpaid bill of $52,250.

Now, the City of Seattle — which approved legislation in September removing “excessive administrative requirements” for telecom companies that want to build broadband utility boxes in neighborhoods —  is currently studying the cost and implications of a publicly-funded Internet system. It is also in discussions with other private companies who are interested in partnering with the City and using its dark fiber.

In the interim, CenturyLink is expanding its own gigabit fiber service throughout Seattle. CondoInternet, a subsidiary of Wave Broadband, is also offering fiber Internet service to residents in Eastlake starting this month for $60-to-$80 per month.

And just this week, Comcast increased download speeds for residential customers in Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Colorado Springs.

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