New Pact Energizes Google Fiber Work in Smyrna, Ga.
This week marked a significant development for residents of Smyrna, Georgia, as the City Council sanctioned an agreement with the high-speed Internet provider, Google Fiber. The approval allows Google Fiber to initiate the installation of its infrastructure throughout the Jonquil City, fostering more connectivity opportunities for residents.
The council unanimously passed the consent agenda during its session, which included this pivotal installation contract, although Councilman Glenn Pickens was not present. Mayor Derek Norton expressed optimism about how this initiative would furnish locals with enhanced Internet options that are increasingly necessary in today’s digital age.
“I think it’s going to be beneficial for that segment of the city to have Google Fiber available,” Norton commented. Despite the city not actively pursuing Google Fiber initially, the partnership materialized, promising substantial advantages to the community.
Google Fiber stands unique as it offers a private Internet service, addressing the digital needs of clients through Internet access, Wi-Fi, television, and phone utilities. Renowned as one of the most awarded providers, Google Fiber extends three levels of high-speed Internet service. The entry-level plan offers blazing-fast upload and download speeds reaching up to 1 gigabit per second, whereas the premier plan boasts speeds up to 8 gigabits per second.
While Google Fiber promises superior speed, availability remains limited due to its complex installation processes. Unlike traditional service providers who often utilize utility poles, Google Fiber prefers laying most of its lines underground, necessitating authorization from both municipal and private entities.
“Before we invite you to sign up, we invest a considerable amount of time developing a tailored construction plan and collaborating with local authorities on permitting and various issues,” stated Google Fiber representatives. Post viability assessments for service provision in specific locales, additional design and planning ensues.
As of now, this highly sought-after service is selectively available in Cobb County regions such as Marietta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw. However, the collaboration with Smyrna grants Google Fiber access to city rights-of-way—encompassing streets, highways, sidewalks, and medians—for construction, installation, repair, and management of necessary infrastructure.
Mayor Norton highlighted that the majority of Google Fiber’s equipment will be strategically placed on the city’s southern side. “I think they are moving towards offering exceptional service in that area,” he noted.
With these installations, Google Fiber aims to deliver broadband Internet and voice over Internet protocol services to its clientele. City community relations director, Jennifer Bennett, clarified this agreement is not exclusive to Google Fiber, and they must adhere to procurement of necessary permits prior to initiating installation activities.
The deal follows closely on the heels of a citywide stop work order issued by Brookhaven to Google Fiber last December, after a crew incidentally struck a gas main near a school. To prevent repeating such occurrences, Bennett assured thorough monitoring of any ongoing work, with intervening actions planned if issues arise.
“Smyrna will vigilantly supervise all operations; a permit process is mandatory, and if warranted, stop work orders will be applied,” Bennett confirmed. “Any entity undertaking excavation to install utilities will abide by a similar procedure.”
For the installation and upkeep of its services, Google Fiber will bear all costs implicated in these processes per the agreement. Moreover, should there be a need to exploit any city rights-of-way, Google Fiber will remit a franchise fee to Smyrna, equating to 2% of the gross earnings from using public right-of-way.
Bennett emphasized the convenience this agreement brings to citizens, offering another solid choice for Internet connectivity. “”
Such advancements echo the growing need for communities to adapt and embrace robust digital infrastructure to meet the escalating demands of modern living, proving that Smyrna is positioning itself firmly on this path to progress.
