TBG client, Huntsville Utilities, announces Google Fiber in Huntsville, Alabama.

“Google Fiber will partner with Huntsville Utilities, which is extending its fiber-optic cable network to build a “smart utility grid” that can reroute power faster to repair outages, among other things.

‘We are building the network for our own purposes,’ utility President and CEO Jay Stowe said in an interview. ‘It’s going to have excess fiber that’s available for lease, and Google will be the first company to lease that fiber.’

Under the plan, Huntsville Utilities will own the system’s fiber backbone, and Google will own the power line-to-home connections, handle all hookups and provide the services.

‘This is the first time we are partnering in this way,’ Szuchmacher said.

‘It’s a unique model,’ Battle said. ‘This may be the model for mid-tier cities to put in a (fiber) backbone and have private industry work off that backbone.'”

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