Next step in Google's fiber optic network: beta testing at Stanford University

Early in 2010, Google announced it was looking to build and test a 1Gbps fiber-to-the-home network in a couple of U.S. cities. Hundreds of interested cities made attempts to convince Google they would be ideal candidates for the new fiber optic network.

Today, Google Product Manager James Kelly announced the first field trials of the fiber technology Google might use in its community deployments
will be built at Stanford University's residential subdivision in early 2011.

The trial will reach the homes of about 850 faculty and staff members on Stanford's campus.

"Why did we decide to build here? Most important was Stanford's openness to us experimenting with new fiber technologies on its streets. The layout of the residential neighborhoods and small number of homes make it a good fit for a beta deployment. And its location-- just a few miles up the road from Google-- will make it easier for our engineers to monitor progress," Kelly said today.

Google plans to announce the location for its first deployment of 50,000-500,000 homes later this year.