Google launches ludicrously fast broadband

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Google has officially launched a 1Gbps broadband service. And that’s not a typo.

So which city will benefit from this mega-fast (or rather giga-fast) service? New York? San Francisco? LA?


Nope, Kansas City. That’s both Kansas City, Missouri and it’s neighboring Kansas City, Kansas. The area is currently the only planned location for Google’s gigabit service and was chosen based on submissions from people in the city. Symbolically it’s a good pick: there’s a big enough population to make it viable, but it’s still got that heartland, anytown feel that suggests the service isn’t just aimed at major cities with existing tech communities.

The new service, Google Fiber, costs $70 a month. There’s a $300 installation fee, though it’s waived if you commit to a two-year deal. Customers also get 1TB of online storage.

Those who don’t want the high speeds can get a free 5Mbps service; with this deal the $300 is mandatory but can be paid in installments.

Customers can also opt for a combined internet and cable TV package for $150, again with either a two-year commitment or a $300 installation fee. Those who opt for this package get a DVR and a Nexus 7 tablet thrown in.

The services aren’t available to everyone in the cities right away. Instead customers can pre-order now and Google will begin installation in an area of the city (dubbed a fiberhood) when a certain level of the local population is on board. The working plan is that half of all areas (those with the most interest) should have the service by the middle of next year.

Of course, most customers won’t literally be downloading at 1Gbps right away. Those who use wireless networking around their home will hit Wi-Fi’s upper speed limits, while even those with Ethernet cables all over the place could hit barriers. (One solution may be using existing power lines around the home to carry the signal.) Users will also likely experience more situations where the speed they can download at exceeds the speed the server of the site they are visiting can deliver information

Posted in: Google