Google unveils 'ultra-fast' internet trial

Google has unveiled plans to develop and experiment with its own high-speed broadband systems in several areas around the US.

The internet search company aims to supply internet connections which are over 100 times faster than those that are currently available to the majority of Americans, using one gigabit per second, fibre-to-the-home networks.

Google intends to deliver the service to at least 50,000 people, potentially rising to 500,000, at a "competitive price".

A post on the Official Google Blog states that the company is hoping to discover how super-fast internet affects the way next-generation applications are developed and used.

It is very possible that this goal could incorporate IP telephony solutions. High-definition VoIP solutions in particular could benefit from the increased bandwidth offered by Google's networks.

Google said that the aim of the project is to "experiment and learn," enabling the company to "make a meaningful contribution" to increasing internet speeds and accessibility.

The Conservative Party has recently claimed it wants to deploy "nationwide super-fast broadband" in the UK, if elected to government, the BBC reported last week.

Widespread access to next-generation broadband could potentially enhance the experience of using VoIP phones in the UK.