Google Fiber originally posted Dec 12, 2012 on Engadget by Donald Melanson, Netflix ISP Rankings originally posted Dec 11, 2012 by Darren Murph. Both revised and compiled for AOL by Rob Zanicchi

With a staggering list of digital products, it's safe to say that Google is always looking to provide users on the web with something more. Its new Fiber service -- offering wideband (think broadband on steroids) internet connections along with a growing number of television channel packages -- is already looking like a serious threat to established internet and cable providers. Currently, its only operational in the Kansas Cities, which may leave many admirers anxiously waiting for Google to knock on their door with a pitch. Try to stay calm, the Fiber expansion could soon be a reality.

While on stage at The New York Times' Dealbook Conference, Google's Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt, noted the big broadband effort "isn't just an experiment, it's a real business and we're trying to decide where to expand next." Unfortunately, he didn't offer much more in the way of specifics beyond that.

While the particulars of the expansion are unknown, a Netflix study rendered some stats that may impress doubters of the search giant's new project. The streaming service -- which serves up over one billion hours of video to some 30 million members per month -- recently ranked America's major Internet Service Providers based on "actual performance across all Netflix streams." Its findings show Fiber as now being "the most consistently fast ISP in America, according to actual user experience on Netflix streams in November." Quite a badge of honor for a service that's been active for less than two months.

Runner up, Verizon's FiOS service faired awfully close, but has confirmed it has no plans to expand the infrastructure beyond the 13 states it currently serves. With the closest competition supposedly unwilling to grow, Google's chances of becoming a major player in the broadband and television provider industries just got even better -- building the suspense of where the next Fiberhood could pop up.

Via: @jyarow (Twitter)
Source: The New York Times Dealbook