By now, nearly everyone has heard of Google Fiber and those in the know want to know when it’s going to be available near you. If you’re one of the few who hasn’t yet heard however, Google Fiber is an internet provider service (ISP) that uses fiber optic technology rather than the traditional telephone cable based facilities.
How it work?
Fiber optics send light down thin strands of glass, transmitting data instead of electrical signals through cables. All of Google Fiber’s cabling runs through aggregators known as Google Fiber Huts, or hubs placed in metropolitan areas that use existing utility poles to run their cables instead.
Why is it taking so long?
Unlike more traditional methods ISP’s use, Google are having to create a whole new system, and physically wire up each house to it with new hardware. This takes time. Google have been choosing towns they feel are most suited for their service where it can make the most difference. Chicago has been rumored to be on the list since last year. It’s been in testing for a while now, so don’t ditch your current provider just yet!
What’s so good about it?
It’s all about the speed. Google Fiber can offer internet speeds up to 1000Mbps, which is around 200 times faster than the slowest internet on the market today. Any tasks you do online will be made quicker and easier by fiber optic connections. This is particularly good news for people who can’t afford to pay top prices for faster internet and for those who share a house with people who all use the internet at the same time.
Google Fiber has started to impact existing ISPs. The threat of consumers leaving to sign up to Google has made companies to lower their rates to hang on to clients as Google Fiber arrive in a new cities. Telecommunications companies have also begun to increase their internet speeds in an attempt to keep up, so whichever business you choose as your internet service provider, you’ll see a marked difference in the product and pricing.
Services offered
Like every other ISP, Google Fiber offer a range of packages to cover your needs that include television services, phone lines and of course, internet connectivity. The TV package, currently priced at $130 per month comes with over 150 channels, the fastest internet speed available, 1TB of storage on Google Drive and the ability to record 8 different shows simultaneously. Other ISPs provide packages for similar rates, but with a much slower connection.
One of the other major selling points of Google Fiber that appeals is the total lack of a data cap on any package. You only pay for the speed category you want. All of the services available through Google Fiber subscriptions can be managed through your existing Google account making it much easier to make changes, track your billing costs and contact customer services. No more waiting on hold for hours!