Google is touting numerous innovations in the first building entirely designed and built by the web giant, even relocating workers to focus on its top project: creative artificial intelligence.
But, some say they wish the innovations had included decent Wi-Fi.
The “Bayview” building at the Alphabet unit’s Mountain View, Calif., headquarters has been plagued by inoperable or at best spotty Wi-Fi for months, according to six people familiar with the matter.
Its recliner-filled collaborative workspaces don’t work well for teams working around laptops, as workers must plug Ethernet cables into their desks to get consistent Internet service.
Some do it by using their phone as a hotspot.
The company promoted the new building and its surrounding campus in a 229-page glossy book that highlighted its innovative features, such as “googly interiors” and “an environment where everyone can They have the tools they need to succeed.”
But, a Google spokesperson admitted, “We are experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity issues in Bayview.”
It said Google has “made a number of fixes to address the issue,” and the company hopes to have a fix in the coming weeks.
According to an AI engineer assigned to the building, which also houses members of the advertising team, Wi-Fi has not helped Google push its mandate to return to the office three days a week.
“You’d think the world’s leading Internet company would have done this,” he said.
Like the others, he spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because Google does not authorize him to discuss working conditions.
Managers have encouraged workers to take a walk outside or sit in an adjacent cafe where the Wi-Fi signal is stronger.
Some have recently released new laptops with more powerful Wi-Fi chips.
Google has not publicly disclosed the cause of the Wi-Fi problems, but workers say the 600,000-square-foot building’s swinging, wave-like roof is swallowing up broadband like the Bermuda Triangle.
Beneath this oceanic roof, Google employees are racing to develop the latest versions of the latest artificial intelligence software known as Gemini, which is key to Google’s future.
Such AI has become a Silicon Valley sensation following the wide release of ChatGPT in late 2022.
Asked by Reuters if there was enough Wi-Fi on campus, Gemini sounded cautiously optimistic.
“It’s highly likely that the Bayview campus has Wi-Fi,” replied the software.
“As the headquarters of a major tech company, Google, it would be surprising if it didn’t.”