What used to be known as Google Webpass has been rebranded and is now referred to as the Google Fiber Webpass. This definitely marks an intentional shift by Google towards a fiber future. Unfortunately, this is mostly just a rebranding at this point. The change does not yet mean that Fiber is available in all Webpass cities, yet.
If you haven’t heard of Webpass before, you’re not alone. The internet service has stayed rather under the radar since it focuses on offering internet services to high-occupancy buildings rather than individual residences.
Webpass is a service under the Google Fiber umbrella that provides point-to-point wireless internet in buildings like offices and apartment complexes. A google team installs an antenna on the roof that receives a wireless signal. Occupants of the building can then have a wired connection to that antenna.
Webpass head Brien Bell gave a statement about this rebranding. “Rolling out our new name and branding is another step in bringing together the best parts of both Google Fiber and Webpass — building on our shared mission of connecting more people to reliable, customer-friendly, high-speed Internet,” said Bell. “We’re working as one big team to continue to make sure our customers have a great experience, regardless of where they are and how they get their Internet.”
Currently, Google Fiber Webpass is only available in certain cities around the country. The most recent city to get the service is Nashville, TN. As Google continues to focus on its role as an internet-service provider (ISP) it’s not unreasonable to expect to hear more about this service in the near future.
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