Google Fiber’s CEO Stepping Down – Halts Fiber Plans in Several Cities

Google has done impressive work at bringing ultra-fast internet to parts of America, but it seems the company has hit a bit of a snag as it undergoes a huge management shuffle. Craig Barratt, the head of Google Access, is stepping down, and at the same time the company is putting a hold on plans to bring their fiber service to eight more cities. Access is set to shed 9% of its workforce, estimated to be between 100 and 200 people.

“I’m excited about the potential of providing super fast internet to more people. Craig has worked hard to scale this business, and I look forward to continue working with him in his new role as an Advisor,” said Alphabet CEO Larry Page.

Barratt may be stepping down, but he will remain an advisor to Alphabet, and it’ll be interesting to see how that pans out in the future, or what is going to happen at Fiber. Google said it’ll keep the service running where it’s already in place, but Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and more, have had their plans for expansion suspended.

So far, it seems these changes could point to Google’s plans for wireless internet technology. Given that wireless is quicker and easier to install, and doesn’t require you to dig up as many roads, this absolutely makes sense. Let’s wait for the dust to settle, as I’m sure it won’t be long before Google show their new plans.