Google has announced plans to investigate the possibilities of expanding its Google Fiber service to nine metro areas in the United States. Having set up its network system in Kansas City (KS), Austin (TX), and Provo (UT), Google is looking to branch out and discover how feasible it will be to bring its service to other areas.

According to the official blog post, the company is looking at adding 34 cities to participate in this initiative. Some of the cities being approached are Portland (OR), Atlanta (GA), Phoenix (AZ), Nashville (TN), San Jose (CA), San Antonio (TX), Charlotte (NC), and Raleigh-Durham (NC).
Google’s goal is to work with city leaders on a joint planning process in order to map out a network and assess any local challenges. A detailed study of local topography, housing density, and condition of local infrastructure will be conducted to help the company determine whether or not these locations will be able to receive the service.

In the meantime, according to the post, “Cities will complete a checklist of items that will help them get ready for a project of this scale and speed. For example, they’ll provide us with maps of existing conduit, water, gas and electricity lines so that we can plan where to place fiber. They’ll also help us find ways to access existing infrastructure—like utility poles—so we don’t unnecessarily dig up streets or have to put up a new pole next to an existing one.”

Google plans to provide updates, towards the end of the year, concerning which cities will be provided with Google Fiber.