According to information, Access, which is part of Alphabet and owns Google Fiber, will make staff reductions and replace its CEO in order to find a more economical way to deliver internet services to new cities.
The company's current CEO, Craig Barratt, announced the news via his blog, stating that he will now only provide consulting support. Although he did not provide further information on the number of employees who will be laid off, Ars Technica estimates that 9% of the company will be laid off. These staff will come from local offices owned by Access that were to provide Google Fiber services.
The nine areas where Access plans to end internet service until a better way of providing it is found are Los Angeles, Dallas, Tampa, Jacksonville, Portland, Phoenix, San Diego, San Jose, and Oklahoma City . However, the Chicago, San Francisco, Irvine, San Antonio, Huntsville , and future Louisville areas may see some growth.
Access has been working on providing online services for six years but has only managed to integrate it in eight locations. According to rumors, this may be due to the enormous pressure Alphabet is putting on the company for rapid growth but also high financial contributions.
The only thing that is certain is that Access' future lies in wireless networking. In June, it acquired the internet provider Webpass, which will allow it to offer network services to homes via over-the-air gigabit internet. Essentially, it will provide fiber services without the risk of development barriers.
However, CEO Craig Barratt did not give any indication as to who would take over at Access after his departure.
