Nashville is getting Google Fiber's new wireless gigabit-speed internet service

Google Fiber is rolling out wireless connection for its gigabit-speed internet in Nashville, providing a high-speed option for some Nashville residents that takes less time to install.

Google Fiber Webpass is available for some condo and apartment buildings, and the company seeks to be the provider for new buildings that are under construction or planned. The point-to-point radio technology takes days — instead of weeks or months — to set up, officials said.

"We are essentially bypassing that need to either trench in the street or run fiber on utility poles," Brien Bell, who leads Google Fiber Webpass, said. "That really lets us accelerate that growth and connect more residents faster than we ever could before."

The service relies on point-to-point wireless radio technology, making it more effective on tall buildings. Google is still using fiber, either installed underground or on poles, to connect single-family homes in Nashville.

"We see Google Fiber and Google Fiber Webpass really complementing each other," said Terrence Brooks, head of Nashville's Google Fiber office. "We continue to connect customers to our Google Fiber network on a daily basis."

Google Fiber bought Webpass in 2016. The service is underway in Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Seattle and Miami. It made sense in Nashville, where there is significant apartment growth, Bell said.

"We will be growing a lot, just given how many apartment and condo buildings are in Nashville," Bell said. "We are eager to talk to more owners and property managers and want to partner with those stakeholders to bring Google Fiber Webpass to as many properties as we can."

Google Fiber installation still underway

Construction of Google Fiber hit several roadblocks in Nashville since the California-based company announced Nashville as a Google Fiber city in January 2015. Google Fiber fought with AT&T and Comcast about the process of utility pole installment, a dispute that resulted in a lawsuit filed by AT&T and Comcast against Metro Nashville.

AT&T and Comcast won the lawsuit, which meant slower installation for above-ground fiber. Google instead looked to more shallow, underground installation to avoid lengthy utility pole processes. The extended installation timeline has frustrated many residents who were eager to switch providers.

"We have just been very appreciative of their patience, understanding that to build a fiber network in an entire city takes a lot of time," Brooks said. "This further demonstrates our commitment to the city by investing in new technology with Google Fiber Webpass."

AT&T has been expanding its gigabit-speed offerings in Nashville since 2015. Comcast offers gigabit-speed internet across Nashville through fiber and through modem technology. It offers 2 gigabit-speed service through its fiber connection.

Google Fiber has emphasized its focus on customer service as a way to differentiate itself from other providers, which have bypassed Google Fiber's installation but have struggled with perceptions surrounding their customer service. Google Fiber does not offer contracts and charges $70 a month for its gigabit-speed internet.

"We are really intentional about making this customer-friendly and easy and simple," Bell said. "The internet should just work for people. Google Fiber and Webpass share that approach."

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.