Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Google to Deliver 1Gb/sec Fiber Optic Broadband Network!

Google is getting into the broadband business.The company plans to deploy its own “experimental” fiber-optic network to at least 50,000 homes, perhaps as many as 500,000. The fiber-optic network will deliver speeds of 1 gigabit-per-second, which is more than 20 times faster than residential fiber optic services offered today in the U.S. 

"We’re planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States. We’ll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit (GB) per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people"

Google wants to take over the world....
  • Next generation apps: What can developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds? Google is playing with the possibility of new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services. 
  • New deployment techniques: Goog is going to test new ways to build fiber networks, and share their findings 'round the globe.
  • Openness and choice: Google wants to give users the choice of multiple service providers. To do that, the search giant will operate an "open access" network.
Google Fiber for Communities: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google planning to build?

Google is planning to build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. We'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We'll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

Why is Google doing this?

Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone.

What criteria will Google use to select the communities for this project?

Above all, we're interested in deploying our network efficiently and quickly, and are hoping to identify interested communities that will work with us to achieve this goal. We also want to work with a community where we can bring significant benefits to residents and develop useful proofs-of-concept that can have a broader impact. For example, we're looking for opportunities to experiment with deployment techniques that can inform and accelerate broadband deployment elsewhere as well. To that end, we'll use our RFI to identify interested communities and to assess local factors that will impact the efficiency and speed of our deployment, such as the level of community support, local resources, weather conditions, approved construction methods and local regulatory issues. We will also take into account broadband availability and speeds that are already offered to users within a community. The RFI is a first step – we plan to consult with local government organizations, as well as conduct site visits and meet with local officials, before announcing our final decisions.

When does Google expect to announce a target community?

We plan to announce a target community or target communities this year.

How much will the services cost?

The final price has not yet been determined, but we intend to offer service at a competitive price.

Why would consumers need 1 Gbps connections?

In the same way that the transition from dial-up to broadband made possible the emergence of online video and countless other applications, ultra high-speed bandwidth will drive more innovation – in high-definition video, remote data storage, real-time multimedia collaboration, and others that we cannot yet imagine. It will enable new consumer applications, as well as medical, educational, and other services that can benefit communities. If the Internet has taught us anything, it's that the most important innovations are often those we least expect.

When does Google expect to have a 1 Gbps network up and running?

Today's announcement is the first of many steps along the way. It's too early to announce a definite launch date, but our hope is to have a network up and running as soon as possible. Right now our focus is on finding the right communities for our trial.

What do you mean by "at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people?"

We have not yet determined the size of the trial, which will be based in large part on the availability of appropriate locations. We expect that we will provide this service to a minimum of 50,000 people and up to as many as 500,000 people, most likely in multiple communities.

Can I submit on behalf of a non-city municipality?

Yes, we will accept responses from any type of municipality including counties, military bases, reservations, etc. Please use the "local governments" link if you are a government or municipal official; otherwise please use the "residents and community groups" link.

Who is allowed to submit a response on behalf of a municipality?

Respondents should clearly state the position in which they represent their city. We encourage responses from city managers, elected officials, and mayors. If you do not represent your city, please submit a statement of interest for residents and community groups.

What if I don't have all the information needed to complete the RFI?

We are asking municipalities to provide as much information as possible about their location, but all submissions are welcome. Please fill in as many of the fields as you can and let us know of any special circumstances that might be affecting your submission.

Can we give Google a gift or visit your office?


We very much appreciate community enthusiasm for this project, but please note that Google cannot accept gifts, nor can we accommodate visits to our corporate headquarters or other offices.



Thanks,
Jenson

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Kochi is ready for IPL 2011!

A great news for all cricket lovers of Kerala. It's True....Kochi got an IPL team!.

The consortium from Kerala, Rendezvous Group, decided on Kochi as its base. Rendezvous Sports World Ltd emerged as the surprise package in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) bidding for two new teams. It won the rights for Kochi. The brain behind bringing together the five-member consortium was Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor. IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi said Tharoor helped Kerala to have a team of its own. Rendezvous Sports bid $333.33 million to get Kochi as the host city while Sahara Adventure Sports was the highest bidder at $370 million to bag Pune. The other groups that took part in the bidding were Adani and Videocon.

Pooja Gulati, director Rendezvous Sports World, said: "Cricket is now popular throughout India and it does not matter if Kerala is not known for cricket. The new IPL team will change that notion."

Modi said IPL will provide a venue till the stadium at Kochi comes up.
"Kerala Cricket Association is building a world class stadium. Till that is ready, IPL will provide an alternate venue."

The minimum base price is $225 m and the highest tender wins. The highest bid was of Sahara Adventure Sports Ltd for Pune was $370 million. The second highest was Rendezvous Sports Ltd $333.33 million and they bid for Kochi (Cochin). So the two new cities in the IPL are Pune and Cochin which will be part of the 4th season of the IPL (IPL 2011). They were bid for by Sahara Adventure Sports (Pune) and Rendezvous Sports Ltd (Cochin).

IPL season 4 will feature 10 teams and a total of 94 games will be played, from the existing 60.

Also, lemme list the prices of the 10 Franchisees (8 of them were bought earlier) below.....

  1. Sahara Adventure Sports (For team Pune) : $370 million
  2. Rendezvous Sports Ltd (For team Kochi) : $333.33 million
  3. Mumbai Indians – Mukesh Ambani – $111.9 m
  4. RCB – Vijay Mallya – $111.6 m
  5. Deccan – T Venkatram Reddy – $107.01 m
  6. CSK – N Srinivasan – $91 m
  7. DD – GM Rao – $84 m
  8. KXIP – Preity Zinta – $76 m
  9. KKR – SRK – $75.09 m
  10. RR – Manoj Badale – $67m

Hearty Congrats to Shashi Tharoor & Rendezvous Sports Ltd. It is a great feeling that Kochi entered into the list of IPL teams. We are desperately waiting for Team Kochi in action.

Cheers,
Jenson