Google Fiber Sheds Even More Employees, CEO To Be Replaced

Google recently released a blog post where Craig Barratt, the current CEO of Access or Google Fiber as it is more commonly known, announced that there would be more layoffs in his division. Apparently, ALPHABET is looking for cheaper ways to deliver its fast internet connection to more cities. Barrat also mentions that he will be staying on only in an advisory capacity, which means that he is also losing his job.

Although the exact number of personnel that will be losing their jobs because of the layoffs wasn’t mentioned in the blog post, Ars Technica reports that it will be around 9 percent of the remaining employees. The publication also makes note of the halted plans to deliver Gigabyte internet speeds by Access to over 10 cities as the company scrambles to find cheaper methods of providing Fiber connections to users.

On that note, Access is still set on becoming an actual internet service provider since it continues to provide service to eight cities and is set to add another four. Thanks to its recent acquisition of a wireless ISP called Webpass, which services six cities, it’s safe to say that Access is still moving forward.

With regards to the employees themselves, sources indicate that they may simply be reassigned, so most of them might remain employed. Barratt won’t be replaced immediately either, so he is still the acting CEO until ALPHABET can find someone to take his place.

On the matter of which direction the company will proceed from now on, The Verge notes that wireless seems to be its best bet. Access has already started experimenting with more effective wireless delivery of fast internet data, which would save them from having to install additional infrastructure. This has been one of the biggest obstacles for a fledgling ISP like Access, in addition to certain regulations rigged in favor of its competitors.