Google Fiber gigabit Internet service expected to launch in Austin

Google Inc. is expected to name tech-savvy Austin as the second city where the search giant will offer its ultra-fast home Internet service.

Google and Texas Gov. Rick Perry scheduled a Tuesday morning announcement in Austin. Industry groups and observers are widely expecting Austin to receive Google's fiber-optic network that's capable of reaching speeds far greater than average cable-modem connections.

Last summer, Kansas City became the first metro area in the US to receive Google Fiber.

Heather Gold, president of the nonprofit Fiber to the Home Council Americas, said the Austin rollout would be an "exciting validation" of the Google service.

Google Fiber offers "gigabit" Internet service about 100 times faster than a basic cable modem for $70 a month.
(Also see: Google Fiber: 10 things to know about the 1000Mbps Internet service)