What is Google Fiber?

Google recently announced Google Fiber, an ultra-fast internet connection that runs at 1 gbps.

Why is Google doing internet?

With Google Fiber, Google is challenging internet providers to step up their game and offer faster internet. Google claims that 1 gbps is up to 100x faster than traditional broadband.

For years, the U.S. has ranked poorly for internet speed. Last year, Pando Networks compared download speeds around the world. South Korea, Romania, and Bulgaria were the fastest on the list, with the U.S. ranking #26.

Pricing

• Free 5 mbps internet: $300 construction fee. Internet is free for 7 years. That’s the equivalent of $3.50/month if you use it for the whole 7 years, but you have to pay it up front.
• Gigabit Internet: $70/month with a year contract.
• Gigabit Internet + TV: $120/month with a year contract.
  

This great for consumers, but it also helps Google get Fiber out faster. That’s why they’re doing “fiberhoods.” It’s more cost-efficient for Google if they get a bunch of people in one area to get fiber installed.

Perks

With every plan

• The network box for all three of these plans has 802.11a/b/g/n wi-fi and several other useful features.
• The option to add a Chromebook for $299.

With the Gigabit Internet plan

• 1 TB cloud storage on Google Drive.

With the Gigabit + TV plan

• 2 TB “Storage Box” for saving your TV shows, photos, music, and more.
• A Nexus 7 tablet, “Your new remote” for your TV
• 1 TB cloud storage on Google Drive.