High-speed internet provider Google Fiber is slowing down its national expansion plans, but the changes will not affect Austin, a city of Austin spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.

Google Fiber installation underway in Southwest Austin neighborhoods Google Fiber installation underway in Southwest Austin neighborhoods[/caption]

In a Tuesday blog post, Craig Barratt, senior vice president of parent company Alphabet and CEO of Access, said Google Fiber is making changes to focus its business and product strategy.

“In terms of our existing footprint, in the cities where we’ve launched or are under construction, our work will continue. For most of our “potential Fiber cities”—those where we’ve been in exploratory discussions—we’re going to pause our operations and offices while we refine our approaches.”

Local Google Fiber plans have not changed, according to Alicia Dean, senior public information specialist with the city.

"There is no impact on the city of Austin. All of the work in the city of Austin is ongoing, so it doesn't change anything here. What it does change is things that were happening with potential Google Fiber cities," she said.

Signups for potential expansions in East Austin and Oak Hill in Southwest Austin will continue, and construction is already underway and nearing completion in many fiberhoods, according to Google Fiber.

"Google Fiber isn’t leaving Austin. We’re still thrilled to be your neighbor and continue to offer superfast Internet to residents,” a Google Fiber spokesperson said in an email.

Currently, Google Fiber has not announced plans to pursue any new fiberhoods such as in Austin’s suburbs or surrounding cities, such as Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Leander, Cedar Park, Lake Travis, Westlake, San Marcos, Buda or Kyle. Barratt said Google Fiber will resume partnership discussions once it has advanced its technologies and solutions.

Google Fiber offers Internet service at up to 1 gigabit-per-second download and upload speeds as well as TV and phone service using fiberoptic lines underground. Austin was the third city nationally to receive the fiber Internet service from Google behind Kansas City, Missouri, and Provo, Utah. Fiber is currently offered in Austin; Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennesee; Kansas City, Missouri; Salt Lake City; and The Triangle in North Carolina.