It’s finally here: Google’s web and TV service

For a decade Google has been a fierce competitor on the web. But now it's taking its services one step farther.

Following years of development, the online giant is finally launching high-speed internet and television services in Kansas City, Mo., challenging local cable operators and expanding the company's services well beyond internet search.

Google Fiber will offer web speeds some 100 times faster than those found in the average American household, the company said. Its TV package, though initially lacking deals with major cable network owners such as Walt Disney and News Corp., will allow viewers 500 hours to record shows.

The price for Google Fiber is comparable to other cable providers in the area. The bundled service will run $120, and internet alone will cost $70. Google is not initially offering phone service, as most of its cable and teleco rivals do, though it's something the company may add in the future.

The initial service is available only in Kansas City, where Google had initially promised to roll out its new program during the first half of 2012.

But the company hopes to expand quickly, likely targeting areas where Verizon FiOS has yet to expand, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Google is also offering to provide somewhat slower internet service to anyone in a neighborhood that can get Google Fiber for a flat one-time free of $300.
 

Tags: cable, cable network, cable operators, following, google, google fiber, google internet service, google kansas city, google tv, google tv service, internet, Kansas City, kansas city google, tv, web