What Google's 1 gigabit speed can mean

Donna Cusano

Google’s announced test of 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps) broadband speed in select areas of the US hasn’t pinged off the healthcare sites yet, so we may be the first. (Comparison:  Verizon FiOS for the home is considered fast at 54Mbps).  Aside from the challenge to the ISPs, this article from a local Seattle blog is the only one this editor’s found mentioning the potential for telemedicine (video conferencing and diagnosis).  Other articles have mentioned that it may be tested in rural areas.  Put the two together and you get real connectivity in underserved areas–and potential upgrades for rural hospital networks where it’s needed the most. PubliCola (Seattle).