[millerc]

Many people seem to assume that the business proposition in itself is the reason why Google offers FTTH.

I think it should be considered that their main interest might be one of the strategic downfalls of the service (ex. free raw trafic), akin to how GOOG-411 was used to train a voice recognition engine, before terminating it once the training goals were attained.

If it proves to be the case, the media distribution "giants" have nothing to worry about, and people who expect the service to stay might be in for a surprise.

[coopdog]

I agree that it's strategic, but I think Google's motive is to set a minimum standard, a catalyst to make the other service providers fall in line. Ie, don't collude to fatten your profits or Google Fibre is going to overtake you.

I think it's sustainable, if the service companies let their margins get too big then it would be a no-brainer profit making move for Google Fibre to expand and undercut them. If not, no skin off Google's back and the increased access to the internet serves their original goals too.