Google Fiber Hits Another Pothole As Chief Executive Exits, Larry Page Remains Optimistic

by Brandon Hill — Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 01:22 PM EDT

Alphabet’s Google Fiber business has been in a bit of turmoil for the past 9 months. In late October, the company was forced to shutter its plans to expand services in 10 metropolitan areas across the country. In its place, the company has looked into wireless deployments — courtesy of its Webpass acquisition — to further its efforts as an ISP.

However, Google Fiber’s troubles are once again bubbling to the surface. It was reported this week that the chief executive of Access, the Alphabet division that manages Google Fiber, is leaving. Gregory McCray came onboard to helm Access in February, and had previously served as the CEO of Aero Communications. However, his departure after just five months of on the job can’t be good for Google Fiber.

Despite the troubling news, Alphabet CEO Larry Page seems committed to Google Fiber and its mission to spread gigabit internet to U.S. residents who often only have one choice when it comes to broadband internet in their area. “The team is bringing gigabit connections to more and more happy customers,” said Page. “Fiber has a great team and I’m confident we will find an amazing person to lead this important business.”

According to Bloomberg, which first reported on McCray’s departure, he didn’t exactly get off on the right foot when he was introduced to the Access team. In fact, in his very first address to his employees, McCray reportedly stuck his foot in his mouth:

McCray was asked about his passion for sailing, which Page mentioned in an introductory email. McCray said that his wife would often call his boat his “mistress.” Every man was entitled to a mistress, the new CEO proclaimed to audible gasps, said the people who asked not to be identified discussing company matters.

While that incident might have been cringe worthy, the exact reason for this departure is not known at this time.

Google Fiber is currently available in the following metropolitan areas:

Atlanta, Georgia
Austin, Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina
Huntsville, Alabama
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Kansas
Nashville, Tennessee
Orange County, California
Provo, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Triangle Region, North Carolina

Google Fiber also has plans on the books to expand to Louisville, Kentucky and San Antonio. In addition, Google has Webpass up and running in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Miami, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Other previously announced cities have been put on hold for now.

(Top Image Courtesy: Mario Lurig/Flickr)

Tags: Larry Page, Google Fiber, (nasdaq:goog), alphabet, gregory mccray

Brandon Hill

Brandon received his first PC, an IBM Aptiva 310, in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since. He cut his teeth on computer building/repair working at a mom and pop computer shop as a plucky teen in the mid 90s and went on to join AnandTech as the Senior News Editor in 1999. Brandon would later help to form DailyTech where he served as Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2014. Brandon is a tech geek at heart, and family members always know where to turn when they need free tech support. When he isn’t writing about the tech hardware or studying up on the latest in mobile gadgets, you’ll find him browsing forums that cater to his long-running passion: automobiles.

Opinions and content posted by HotHardware contributors are their own.

Which New GPU Is For You?

Stay updated with the latest news and updates. Subscribe to our newsletter!

Subscribe Now