Google Fiber

Google Fiber

We live in a very fast paced and technology driven world and Google is doing what it does best by pushing the boundaries of  our technological comfort zones.  Starting out with being the most used search engine in the world to the Android operating system that has taken the smartphone and tablet markets by storm.  Now Google is expanding on its goal of getting internet access to every citizen in the US.  Google is doing this through their Fiber program.

Google Fiber is a program that provides internet and TV to three current areas: Provo, UT, Austin, TX, and Kansas City, MO.  There are three tiers of plans that Google offers: Free Internet, Gigabit Internet, and Gigabit + TV. 

The “Free Internet” option is a 5 Mbps download speed and a one-time fee of either $30 or $300, depending on whether you live in Provo or Kansas City.  The contract terms are guaranteed for at least 7 years so after paying the initial fee you will have internet access guaranteed for 7 years at no additional cost.  

The “Gigabit Internet” connection is a gigabit connection through fiber that is run directly to your house.  The cost is $70 a month plus a one-time construction fee of $30 if you live in Provo.  There is a no contract or one year contract associated with this plan, depending on where you live.

The “Gigabit Internet + TV” includes a gigabit connection through fiber and over 200+ channels including HD.  The cost is $120 a month plus a one-time construction fee of $30 if you live in Provo.  This option includes a two year contract and a Nexus 7 tablet.  The TV option includes almost every major cable channel along with the additional options of adding premium channels for additional costs.

From the original three charter cities, Google is expanding its fiber network to include Portland, OR, San Jose, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Phoenix, AZ, San Antonio, TX, Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Raleigh-Durham, NC.  Right now Google is in the process of analyzing these metro areas to see if their infrastructure can support the fiber installation.  They will announce a more detailed timeframe for this rollout later this year.

For more information: https://fiber.google.com/about/