Will up to 1 gigabit Internet access in the Triangle become as simple as plugging in to a phone jack?

Could be.

Google Fiber has closed on its acquisition of Webpass, a provider of point-to-point high-speed wireless Internet access for multi-dweller and business buildings. As GF builds out in the Triangle, a planned hybrid fiber-wireless network could mean high-speed Internet as simple as plugging into a wall outlet.

The deal, which was announced in June, positions GF as a wireless player while AT&T proceeds with testing of its own “Air Gig” technology.

In thinking about Webpass and what it could mean for Triangle residences as well as businesses wanting ultra-fast Internet before a building is wired for fiber, check out this Webpass tutorial video:

​And GF is promising to expand Webpass service beyond its current markets (San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, Boston, Chicago) where GF says the San Francisco-based operation has “tens of thousands” of customers.

​”Going forward, Webpass will continue to grow and scale their business with point-to-point wireless technology, including expanding into new cities,” wrote Dennis Kish, president of Google Fiber, in a blog about the Webpass deal closing.

“And for our part, Google Fiber will continue to build out our portfolio of wireless and fiber technologies, to bring super fast Internet to more people, faster.”

Hybrid network

GF recently launched service in Morrisville to kick off its Triangle network, and a fiber network of more than 5,000 miles is to be built.

But given the expense and logistical challenges of burying fiber or hanging it on utility poles, GF is seeking permission from the FCC to test wireless delivery as well.

Incorporation of Webpass technology into some kind of a hybrid network for the Triangle could make sense. The Triangle is among the markets where GF wants to test its emerging strategy. The Webpass backbone does include fiber as part of provide-its-own-network strategy (see photo with this post). but wireless builds off that infrastructure. Now Webpass can be tied in to GF’s growing backbone.

“[O]ur strategy going forward will be a hybrid approach with wireless playing an integral part,” Kish explained.

“Webpass has proven that point-to-point wireless is a reliable way to connect more people to high-speed Internet in a densely populated environment, by setting up wireless transmission links between buildings. Residents simply plug their device or router into the data jack Webpass installs in their unit, and they’re good to go, browsing with speeds reaching up to a Gig.”

AT&T, GF and Frontier are already offering some “wired” buildings.

Skip the poles. digging

But GF has complained about the obstacles and costs of traditional fiber. There’s a lawsuit in Nashville over utility pole access, and a big fight is underway in Lousville.

The Webpass technology could offer a bypass around some of those hurdles.

“Webpass set out to change the landscape for Internet providers back in 2003. Their mission today is the same: deliver a simple, high quality Internet connection to as many people as possible,” Kish wrote. “At Google Fiber we share that same goal, and together we can grow faster — and reach more people— than ever before.”

Webpass maintains its own network, and once agreements are in place for individual buildings, customers can link to a network that Webpass says improves over time through upgrades.

Plus, Kish says the Webpass technology enables quick installs.

“Webpass is known for their successful track record lighting up new buildings with super fast Internet service very quickly — sometimes within a month or less once building access agreements are in place,” he explained. 

“This speed of deployment is possible in part because Webpass manages its own network, which also has the benefit of higher service availability, automatic upgrades for service that gets better over time, and bandwidths of up to 1 gigabit per second.”

Individual cost is $60 a month. Here’s a breakdown on the plan:

  • Speeds from 100 Mbps – 1 GIG based on building
  • No modem required
  • Free professional installation
  • Cancel service at the end of your billing cycle without penalty.

Business plans start at $100 per month and top out at $1,000.

Learn more about Webpass at:

https://webpass.net