Google Fiber Staff Review
Google Fiber brings top speed and reliability but no bargain prices
Google Fiber first launched in 2010 in the Kansas City metropolitan area. By 2015, the company had expanded service to Austin, San Antonio, Provo, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Charlotte, the Research Triangle and Nashville. And by early 2024, Google Fiber had expanded to several more major metro areas in Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, and Nebraska [1]. Google Fiber (also known as GFiber) has focused on building in large cities rather than expanding statewide networks. Though the company has an excellent reputation, it is currently only available to 1% of American households [2]. Google Fiber offers all-fiber internet, which is why it offers such blazing-fast speeds. Not many other companies offer speeds up to 8 Gigabits per second (Gbps). And GFiber Labs, their research arm, even offers a test program with 20 Gbps and Wi-Fi 7 [3]. GFiber’s advantages are clear: like other all-fiber providers, they offer unmatched speeds including equal upload and download speeds. No other internet technology can match the potential of fiber-optic internet. Cable internet now offers gigabit download speeds but is still lagging behind on upload speeds compared to fiber. Google Fiber also has a clear, predictable pricing structure. Unfortunately, they do not offer a budget first-tier plan or promotional rates. So, while you will get a lot of speed for your dollar, you won’t have a low-cost plan option.Pros
Lightning-fast speeds available in over 20 major cities No data caps or contracts Fiber buildout in progress
Cons
Availability is low, including only 1% of U.S. households No budget-priced plan Not available in rural or remote areas
Pricing
Google Fiber offers clear, straightforward pricing but no big discounts
You will know exactly what to expect from your Google Fiber bill each month. There are no promotional rates, so your prices won’t suddenly rise when the initial deal expires. You also won’t have data caps or required annual contracts. We always appreciate providers who offer consumers that kind of transparent pricing. That being said, your prices won’t be super-low. This is not the provider who will give you $20/month internet. Instead, you will pay decent prices considering the extremely fast speeds you get. In other words, you’ll get a lot of gigs for your dollar. But you will start out at about $70 for that gigabit speed. This is still not bad at all. It’s priced on the low end for gigabit internet. So as long as you are willing and able to start at that price, it’s a good deal.Reliability and Performance
Google Fiber is known for its premium speeds
You are going to be happy with your internet performance if you get fiber internet. Google does also offer a fixed-wireless service called Webpass in some states, but its more common service type is fiber [4]. With your symmetrical upload and download speeds, you will be ideally positioned for real-time gaming and videoconferencing. Remote work or online learning will also have plenty of bandwidth even on multiple devices. Most Google Fiber service areas will have at least the 1 Gig and 2 Gig plan options. 5 Gig and 8 Gig plans are not available to all locations, but GFiber reported that 75% of residential customers could get these ultrafast speeds as of December 2023 [5].Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features
Cutting-edge Wi-Fi included with no equipment fee
You will have plenty of Wi-Fi power included with your monthly plan fee at no extra charge. The first-tier 1 Gig plan includes Nest Wi-Fi Pro and one mesh extender. Multi-gigabit plans will get you a GFiber multi-gig router and up to two mesh extenders. All of the routers include Wi-Fi 6E. If you are in the test group for 20 Gig, you will even get a Wi-Fi 7 router. Free pro installation of your equipment means your setup should be smooth and satisfactory.Customer Experience & Support
Customer surveys show strong satisfaction with Google Fiber service
Google Fiber took top honors for customer satisfaction in the South on the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study <a href="#source6">[6]</a>. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also ranked Google Fiber at a score of 76, a high score common for fiber providers but far above most other internet service providers. Cable internet providers, for example, usually score under 70 with the ACSI <a href="#source7">[7]</a>. Google Fiber claims to answer customer support calls within 10 seconds—pretty impressive in an industry where long hold times are standard. In addition to a strong customer forum and online resource hub, you will also have access to robust support through chat, phone, and email.FAQ's
Enter your zip code to see whether you have Google Fiber available in your area. If you do, our representative can discuss your plan options in detail.
Yes, Google Fiber continues to expand its network and upgrade the quality of its current fiber network to offer even higher speeds.
All of Google’s plans include a router with Wi-Fi 6E standards, and at the end of 2024, some routers will even be equipped with Wi-Fi 7. One or two mesh extenders come at no extra charge.
Google Fiber currently offers plans from 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) to 20 Gbps (only available in test areas).
No, there are no required contracts for Google Fiber.
No, all Google Fiber plans have unlimited data.
Sources
[1] Wikipedia.com. "Google Fiber." [2] FCC.gov. "National Broadband Map." [3] Fiber.Google.com. "GFiber Labs: 20 Gig." [4] DgtlInfra.com. "Top 125 Internet Providers in the US." [5] Fiber.Google.com. "Google Fiber's Fastest Year Ever." [6]JDPower.com. "2023 US Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study." [7] American Customer Satisfaction Index
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