Google Acquires Gigabit ISP Webpass To Hasten Google Fiber Rollouts
Google's been on a mission to offer 1Gbps Internet service to as many people as possible through its Googe Fiber service, and to accelerate future roll outs, it has agreed to acquire Webpass, a high-speed ISP serving San Francisco, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, San Diego, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Chicago, and Boston.
Like Google Fiber, Webpass offers download and upload speeds of to 1Gbps. It's also a much smaller operation than major ISPs such as Charter Spectrum and Cox Communications. That makes it an ideal target for Google, which doesn't always build fiber optic networks from the ground up. Whenever possible, Google likes to leverage existing fiber infrastructures.
"Joining Google Fiber will be a great development for our users because the companies share the same vision of the future and commitment to the customer. Google Fiber’s resources will enable Webpass to grow faster and reach many more customers than we could as a standalone company," Webpass President Charles Barr stated in a blog post announcing the acquisition.
Google already operates its gigabit service in parts of San Francisco. Adding Webpass to the fold, which has a presence in the area, may accelerate its ability to expand gigabit service to more buildings and residents. However, that won't be the only location the two focus their expansion efforts on.
"By joining forces, we can accelerate the deployment of superfast Internet connections for customers across the U.S. Webpass will remain focused on rapid deployment of high speed Internet connections for residential and commercial buildings, primarily using point to point wireless," Barr said.
Google and Webpass did not disclose financial terms of the deal, saying only the transaction is expected to close this summer following regulatory approvals.
Like Google Fiber, Webpass offers download and upload speeds of to 1Gbps. It's also a much smaller operation than major ISPs such as Charter Spectrum and Cox Communications. That makes it an ideal target for Google, which doesn't always build fiber optic networks from the ground up. Whenever possible, Google likes to leverage existing fiber infrastructures.
"Joining Google Fiber will be a great development for our users because the companies share the same vision of the future and commitment to the customer. Google Fiber’s resources will enable Webpass to grow faster and reach many more customers than we could as a standalone company," Webpass President Charles Barr stated in a blog post announcing the acquisition.
Google already operates its gigabit service in parts of San Francisco. Adding Webpass to the fold, which has a presence in the area, may accelerate its ability to expand gigabit service to more buildings and residents. However, that won't be the only location the two focus their expansion efforts on.
"By joining forces, we can accelerate the deployment of superfast Internet connections for customers across the U.S. Webpass will remain focused on rapid deployment of high speed Internet connections for residential and commercial buildings, primarily using point to point wireless," Barr said.
Google and Webpass did not disclose financial terms of the deal, saying only the transaction is expected to close this summer following regulatory approvals.
