Google Fiber not coming to Arizona, for now

Google Fiber will not be bringing super-fast Internet service to metro Phoenix as hoped, at least for now, the company announced today.

Last year, the company announced the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe area was under consideration, along with several other metro areas where the company hoped to install fiber networks.

The service is about 100 times faster than basic broadband connections, and Google already is offering it in limited locations nationwide.

"We aren't saying no to anyone," said Kevin Lo, head of business operations for Google Fiber. "We continue to explore bringing Google Fiber to the remaining areas. We just want to make sure we get everything right."

He said municipal leaders in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe have been working constructively with Google Fiber as it explores the potential of bringing service to Arizona.

"Every city is different," Lo said. "There are four cities in the Southeast that are ready to go."

Google Fiber said Tuesday it will roll out service in Atlanta, Nashville and Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, both in North Carolina.

Metro Phoenix, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, San Jose, Calif. and Portland, Ore. remain under consideration.

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Previously:Google explores plan for ultra-fast Internet in metro Phoenix

"We are still committed to our process of trying to bring Google Fiber to the region," he said.

Cox Communications also is working to introduce fiber Internet connections in metro Phoenix residential customers. It has been offering such high-speed connections to businesses since 2007.

By the end of the year, Cox wants the service to be available to about 150,000 residential customers.

The service should be available in every new housing development, and is in place in limited parts of the Valley, including Ahwatukee. People who live in areas where the service is available have been notified by door hangers and even door-to-door Cox representatives.

Lo said the decision for Google to not move forward in Arizona at this time has nothing to do with subsidies.

"In our agreement, we have asked for no tax breaks or subsidies," Lo said. "When we talk about access (to public infrastructure to install a fiber network), we usually expect to pay market rates for any assets we are utilizing."