Advertisement

How To

What Google Fiber is and how to get it

What Google Fiber is and how to get it
Trevor Hutchins

Trevor Hutchins

  • Updated:

If you don’t know what Google Fiber is, the name may sound like a line of new granola bars. Heads up: it isn’t.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber brings relatively blistering fast Wi-Fi speeds via a cable connection to your home. If you’ve ever plugged your gaming device into a router to reduce lag while playing Fortnite, you’ve had a small taste of the benefits possible with a physical internet connection. Now, imagine the router itself directly tied to Google’s powerful network!

This program is fast, and the cost may not be for everyone. It’s only available in certain areas, called fiberhoods, but is gradually expanding.

Google Fiber Download now ►
7

What Google Fiber is and how to get it

How fast is it, really?

Internet speed

Well, as you might imagine, it’s really fast. Allow us to throw some numbers at you:

It goes at 1,000 megabits per second. Eight “bits” means one “byte,” so that’s 75 megabytes per second. Dang! One gigabyte equals 1,000 megabytes, right? Right. So, if your device can handle it, the download speed has the potential to reach 7.5 gigabytes per minute!

Now, mind you, this all comes on a physical landline, so you can also expect to avoid a lot of the normal issues attributed to Wi-Fi, like lag spikes and connection loss. The high speeds seen above will be more far more consistent than other options!

How does Google Fiber work?

First, a Google Fiber technician will connect your house with a cable to ensure you’re properly linked into their system. This wire will be in a box known as a “fiber jack,” which is likely placed near your TV or living room.

From there, plug the internet box (router) into the fiber jack, and connect them both to power. From here, you can use a physical Wi-Fi cable to a device or simply connect to the wireless internet. Easy as that!

However, the availability of these services is dependent on your location. At this time, Google Fiber only extends to a few key cities where they’ve begun rolling out its web of connections.

Where is Google Fiber found?

MapWith a physical connection, the initial speed of installation will be much slower than setting up a satellite dish (ah, there’s always a catch). This means there are only a few areas at this time where Google fiber can be found. In fact… there are only a few states.

If you want to know whether your area has been added to the “Fiber Cities,” visit their web listing to check.

Also, a heads-up: the blue dots on the map are full-access Fiber Cities, the green markers are locations that only serve apartments and condos. Google aims to benefit communities first, and are more likely to install a Fiber hub for a densely-packed group of people (it makes sense economically as well).

Who is it this for?

GoogleFiberKit

Recap: Google Fiber targets large areas, runs extremely fast, and takes more investment than other sources. With that being said, who should be looking to connect?

We highly recommend this service to anyone who could benefit from the speeds such as streamers who want to make sure they can deliver top-quality video to their fans.

Of course, we can still recommend the Fiber program to anyone in a Fiber area that can afford it. Google has competitive pricing, so you won’t be breaking the bank, and we’re confident their service will be excellent.

What does Google Fiber cost?

Prices

For any given plan type (Fiber, Fiber with TV, Business), there are three options: 100, 250, and 1000. It’s simple, really: the number represents how many megabits per second you can expect.

Unfortunately, Google requires you to enter your address for more information on pricing.

Luckily, for the curious readers, a page on howmuchisit.org has some answers. Normal Fiber costs $50-$95 dollars per month. With TV, you’ll see about $140-$160. Even better? You can change the prices any time, without being locked into a contract.

For comparison, you can check out other good providers like Verizon, Dish, and AT&T. For a few laughs, you can look into Cox, which offers faulty internet at $60 a month with a one-year binding contract.

Conclusion

Google Fiber is a new, powerful internet option from a well-respected company. We hope it sparks your interest in finding fiber optic Wi-Fi or at least gives you a better sense of how setting up a new provider works. If you’re looking to increase your internet speed, consider giving it a try!

Trevor Hutchins

Trevor Hutchins

Trevor Hutchins writes screenplays, novels, and articles from his home in La Mirada, California. He self-published hist first novel, 'Wynden's Legacy,' on Amazon in May of 2017 and hasn't stopped writing since.

Latest from Trevor Hutchins

Editorial Guidelines