It’s no secret that Google Fiber is constructing an ultra-fast Internet and entertainment network in the Triangle.

However, there remains plenty of secrecy about the project, particularly a timeline for deployment.

Google Fiber’s top Triangle executive did provide some insight to WRAL TechWire, saying that “thousands of miles” of fiber-optic cable are coming.

“Over the last year, we’ve made great progress in bringing Google Fiber to the Triangle,” says Erik Garr, who is head of Google Fiber, Triangle.

“In 2015, we completed our detailed study of the seven towns and cities receiving Fiber, designed our network from scratch, and began laying thousands of miles of cables throughout the area.”

In January 2015, Google Fiber announced plans for a Triangle network that would include Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Morrisville, Garner and Carrboro. AT&T and Frontier have already begun aggressive rollouts of their own fiber networks in the Triangle.

In addition to securing office space, Google Fiber also recently announced a commitment to provide high-speed net access to public housing communities at no charge. More details might be made clear when the Community Associations Institute will host a briefing about Google Fiber’s public housing plans.

The permitting process continues for the laying of fiber, and the City of Raleigh will consider more plans at a meeting on Tuesday, according to The Triangle Business Journal.

While Garr did not disclose any possible dates for deployment, he cites several areas of progress.

“We’ve … pledged to connect many public housing residents to free gigabit Internet, moved into our new offices in Raleigh and Durham and launched the Digital Inclusion Fellowship,” he explains.

“We’re thankful to the Triangle and its leaders for their hard work and commitment to gigabit speeds, and we’re looking forward to making even more progress in 2016.”

Just what is ahead for homeowner and condominium association managers will be discussed at the Feb. 25 meeting. Google Fiber representatives are scheduled to attend the “lunch and learn” event to brief associations about what can be expected as construction begins.

Also on the program is Kennya Justice, a lawyer and eminent domain specialist who will discuss the “realities,” as the organizers put it, about utility construction.

(For more information about the event, visit: http://bit.ly/2-25TriangleGoogle)

Other steps

  • Before putting fiber in the ground, Google Fiber says it is is compiling “exhaustive information” and plans projects accordingly
  • Google has hired a “community impact manager” who is designated to communicate local community organizations and neighborhood groups.
  • Google also says it will notify residents about local construction with door hangers and providing a toll-free hotline to call with questions
  • Once construction is complete, Google notes that areas are to be returned to “similar conditions” before digging. Those steps range from patching holes to repaving and planting grass.
  • Residents are encouraged to contact Google Fiber about concerns.

For Google Fiber in the Triangle updates, see:

https://fiber.google.com/cities/raleighdurham/