Seattle Nixes Gigabit Squared Fiber Internet Plan Ahead Of Launch

In late December 2012, it was revealed Seattle had partnered up with Gigabit Squared to bring gigabit Internet to some of its districts as part of the Gigabit Neighborhood Gateway Program. The initial launch was to be in 12 neighborhoods, and by this past summer, the pricing for the plans had been revealed. As it turns out, all was for naught, as the entire plan has been scrapped.

The reason for the failed project is unknown, and while on the surface it seems it could have something to do with the recent elections, there are indications that the plans may have been failing before the new mayor took office. The project was announced under Mayor McGinn's command, and its death has been announced under the run of the city's new mayor, Ed Murray.

Murray is quoted by the Puget Sound Business Journal as saying, "We understand the Gigabit problems had developed before the election." What those problems were wasn't detailed, but the mayor confirmed the deal to bring gigabit Internet to the city is no longer in place. Under the original plan, Gigabit Squared was to lease Seattle's fiber optic network and bring neighbors blazing fast Internet access.

Such would have been a first for any city in the United States, in terms of having a city-owned gigabit offering delivered by a private company. All might not be lost, however, with a company spokesperson saying that it looks "forward to a dialogue regarding project possibilities with Mayor-elect Murray and his staff."

SOURCE: Biz Journals