Could be, as reported today on SEOchat and ZDnet they are on the hunt for 'dark fiber'. Known in the industy as fiber optic cable that's already been laid, but is not yet in use. Apparently there is a large amount of dark fiber cable in the United States, and the possiblity of Google jumping into the telecommuications front is not to far out of reach. Appears the conditions are right, and including such valuable expertise would be a natural fit for them.
According to Google's Job Oppourtunities section:
"Google is looking for Strategic Negotiator candidates with experience in...(i)dentification, selection, and negotiation of dark fiber contracts both in metropolitan areas and over long distances as part of development of a global backbone network"
Continued discussion on SEOchat
