Google Fiber won't 'directly' participate in government funding programs

The bulk of Google Fiber's buildouts is focused on cities and towns that are getting broadband service from incumbent cable operators and telephone companies. In that process, depending on the market, Google Fiber is tangling with major operators such as AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, and Lumen as well as midsized players like Mediacom. So far, Google Fiber has not focused on rural or otherwise unserved or underserved areas, but it has participated in programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Google Fiber likewise has stayed on the sideline with respect to state or federal government subsidy programs, including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is on deck, but it appears Google Fiber won't go to bat for BEAD—at least without some sort of partner. Google Fiber might be interested in exploring government subsidies through partnerships of some kind. It has been known to work closely with local governments on its buildout projects, and has been asked for further comment on partnership possibilities.