Google Fiber is a subsidiary of Google that provides high-speed internet and TV services to select cities in the US. Google Fiber offers two types of service: 5 Gig and 8 Gig, which deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps respectively. Google Fiber also has a limited availability in some cities, such as Kansas City, Missouri; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Austin, Texas.
However, Google Fiber is not resting on its laurels. The company is planning to launch a new service that will take the internet speed to the next level: 20 Gig. This means that customers will be able to enjoy symmetrical speeds of up to 20 Gbps, which is 10 times faster than the current fastest internet speeds in the US.
What is Google Fiber’s 20-Gig Service?
Google Fiber’s 20-Gig service will be powered by Nokia’s 25G PON technology, which will allow the company to break the 10 Gig barrier that limited existing architectures. Nokia’s 25G PON technology offers much faster speeds, up to 10 times faster, while maintaining energy efficiency and without the need for any modifications to the current underground fiber infrastructure.
Google Fiber will also use a custom pre-certification Wi-Fi 7 router, which is not even fully certified yet. Wi-Fi 7 is the latest generation of wireless technology that promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage. With Wi-Fi 7, customers will be able to enjoy multi-gig speeds across multiple devices and floors using Wi-Fi extenders with MultiLink Operation (MLO) backhaul.
When Will Google Fiber’s 20-Gig Service Be Available?
Early Access: This stage began in December 2023 and allows a limited number of customers in select cities to sign up for the service. Installations for early access users are scheduled to start in Q1 2024. Currently, early access is available in:
- Kansas City
- North Carolina (Triangle Region)
- Arizona
- Iowa
Wider Availability: Google hasn’t announced a specific date for wider availability beyond early access. However, they’ve mentioned plans to expand the service to more cities throughout 2024.
So, the answer to your question depends on your location:
- If you’re in one of the early access cities and manage to snag a spot, you could have 20-gig Google Fiber as early as March 2024.
- If you’re in another city, you’ll need to wait for Google to expand their availability, likely sometime in 2024.
To stay updated on the latest news and potential availability in your area, you can:
- Sign up for Google Fiber updates on their website: https://fiber.google.com/myfiber/
- Follow Google Fiber on social media (Twitter, Facebook).
- Check in periodically with your local Google Fiber news or your internet service providers.
How Much Will Google Fiber’s 20-Gig Service Cost?
Google Fiber’s 20-gig service will cost $250 per month, with early access currently available in select cities. This price point makes it one of the most expensive internet plans on the market, but Google argues that the “blazing-fast” speeds and included Wi-Fi 7 technology justify the cost.
It’s important to note that the 20-gig plan is intended for high-demand users, such as those who need to upload large files frequently, run multiple devices simultaneously, or power a connected home with numerous smart devices. For most users, lower-tier Google Fiber plans might be sufficient and more budget-friendly.
What Are the Implications of Google Fiber’s 20-Gig Service?
Google Fiber’s announcement of its new service has generated a lot of excitement and curiosity among internet users and industry experts. The company claims that this service will bring together the most advanced technologies to offer customers a first-of-its-kind in-home internet experience.
However, there are also some challenges and uncertainties involved in launching such a service. For one thing, customers may not need or want such high-speed internet at home, especially if they already have other devices or applications that consume bandwidth. For another thing, competitors may try to catch up or surpass Google Fiber with their own gigabit internet offerings or future innovations.
Therefore, it remains to be seen how successful Google Fiber’s new service will be in terms of customer adoption and satisfaction. It also remains to be seen how this service will impact the market dynamics and trends in the gigabit internet industry.
