Google takes steps to offer TV services in Kansas City
updated 05:35 pm EST, Wed February 22, 2012
Would supplement high-speed data services
Google last week filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking approval to offer fiber-based TV services in Kansas City, Missouri. If approved, the service, coupled with the company's previously announced intentions to offer high-speed internet access, would bring it into direct competition with cable-provider Time Warner as well as satellite services providers. Google has already begun laying fiber-optic cabling needed to offer the broadband-based services.
Google began its build out of fiber to the twin cities of Kansas City last May. With it, the company hopes to begin offering 1Gbps broadband services sometime this year.
In November, Google started to consider offering IPTV services to take advantage of its transmission capacity. At that time, the company discussed distribution rights with content providers including Walt Disney, Discovery, and Time Warner.
Google currently generates $40 billion annually from the sale of online ads. Expanding into the cable TV market would give it access to revenues from the even larger television advertising market. [via The Wall Street Journal]
