Imagine sitting in a rural health clinic, streaming three-dimensional medical imaging over the web and discussing a unique condition with a specialist in New York. Or downloading a high-definition, full-length feature film in less than five minutes. Or collaborating with classmates around the world while watching live 3-D video of a university lecture. Universal, ultra high-speed Internet access will make all this and more possible. Google has the FCC to look at new and creative ways to get there in its National Broadband Plan – and today we're announcing an experiment of our own.

Google are planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States. They'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. Google plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

Google's goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that Google have in mind:

• Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it's creating new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services, or other uses we can't yet imagine.
• New deployment techniques: We'll test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, we'll share key lessons learned with the world.
• Openness and choice: We'll operate an "open access" network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with our past advocacy, we'll manage our network in an open, non-discriminatory and transparent way.

Like Google's WiFi network in Mountain View, the purpose of this project is to experiment and learn. Network providers are making real progress to expand and improve high-speed Internet access, but there's still more to be done.

As a first step, today Google are putting out a request for information (RFI) to help identify interested communities across America. If you'd like to respond, visit this page to learn more, or check out the video: