Google Fiber to buy Webpass, high-speed internet provider

Google is quite serious about expanding its Internet reach, and has now decided to acquire gigabit internet provider Webpass. With this move, the company plans on expansion of its Fiber rollout in urban areas. The announcement comes from Webpass President Charles Barr, who writes, “Google Fiber has entered into an agreement to acquire Webpass. Google Fiber and Webpass share a commitment to creating fast, abundant Internet connectivity in the U.S. By joining forces, we can accelerate the deployment of superfast Internet connections for customers across the U.S.” Webpass offers services across five major regions, and plans to grow its services in current operational cities including San Francisco, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, San Diego, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Chicago, and Boston, further adding to Google Fiber’s growing list of operational cities. Google’s this move is expected to help with its Fiber rollout in San Francisco. AT&T is also reportedly working towards offering gigabit internet in San Francisco. “Currently, Google has plans for Fiber in select apartments and condos in San Franciso. By joining forces with Webpass, Google Fiber can take advantage of both infrastructures and expedite the rollout,” points out 9To5Google. There is no word on the financial terms, yet. Google recently revealed its next evolution in landlines, the Fiber Phone and a related subscription service at $10 per month (around Rs 660). The service will offer unlimited local and national calls as well as international rates at par with Google Voice, which works out to Rs 0.6 per minute to India for example. In many ways, Fiber Phone brings mobile phone functionality to your landline.