Earlier this year, Google announced that it was looking to expand its Google Fiber gigabit Internet service to up to nine new regional markets, encompassing upwards of 34 different cities. But in order for a location to be considered, they had to first fill out an extensive survey providing all sorts of details about their preparedness for a new service. Surprisingly, every single city under consideration got their homework done and returned to Google on time.

According to a new blog post from Google Fiber, each of the 34 cities dealt with the substantial checklist [PDF] in time to meet the May 1 deadline.

The list asks cities to provide a large amount of information — regarding everything from current data/telecom infrastructure to local, regional, and state permitting and licensing requirements and procedures — in order to help Google determine which markets are the best fit for Fiber, which was launched in Kansas City, but has recently begun to expand to Provo, Utah, and Austin, Texas.

Google cautions that while the checklists may have been returned, “there’s still a lot of work to do over the next few months.” As any teacher knows, just because a kid turns in his homework doesn’t mean it’s good or complete.

“We’ll start by working with cities to tie up some checklist-related loose ends,” writes Google. “For example, we worked with city staffers to draft agreements that would let us place fiber huts on city land; several city councils still need to approve these agreements. We may spend some time working together to figure out an ideal permitting process that would be fast and efficient. And, as we review the information that cities have already provided, like infrastructure maps, we’ll probably have a lot of follow-up questions.”

Since Google Fiber isn’t just a broadband service but also provides pay-TV for subscribers who want it, Google needs to get video franchise agreements in markets where it wants to operate.

Then there is the issue of getting its fiber lines on utility poles. Ideally, Google would just be able to string its new lines alongside existing phone and cable lines, but some telephone companies have been less than welcoming when it comes to this issue.

Only then can Google start actually the in-earnest planning for construction of these new networks.

The blog post also warns you shouldn’t get over-excited if you see a Google Fiber crew working in your town or you read of Fiber-related job listings in your neck of the woods.

“[B]efore we make a decision about bringing Fiber to your city, we may do some exploratory work and recruiting so that we’re ready to start construction and operations quickly,” the company explains. “We still plan to announce which cities will get Google Fiber by the end of the year.”

Again, the markets (and additional cities within those markets) being considered for Fiber service are:
•Atlanta (Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs, Smyrna)
•Phoenix (Scottsdale, Tempe)
•San Jose (Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto)
•Charlotte, NC
•Raleigh-Durham, NC (Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Garner, Morrisville)
•Portland, OR (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard)
•Nashville
•San Antonio, TX
•Salt Lake City

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