Google Fiber Announces 20 Gigabit Service for $250 Per Month

Google Fiber, which initially held high hopes as a game-changer, encountered some setbacks in its expansion efforts after a promising start. However, it played a role in pushing traditional internet service providers (ISPs) to improve their internet speeds due to its competitive pricing and high-speed offerings. Google is now introducing an early-access waitlist in areas where it has fiber installation in place for a new 20 Gbps internet service. It will be priced at $250/mo.

Google Fiber currently provides services with speeds of 1 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 8 Gbps in specific markets. The introduction of the new 20 Gbps bandwidth represents an astonishingly fast connection. Moreover, the $250 fee sets a high standard for other fiber providers in the industry. Are you a fan of bulk purchasing? When you analyze the cost per Gbps, it becomes evident that this offering is well-amortized. However, the question remains: will you make full use of it?

This 20 Gbps service utilizes Nokia's 25G PON (passive optical network) technology and is one of the first of its kind for residential customers. Importantly, implementing this technology won't require replacing the current fiber infrastructure. Initially, this enhanced service will be available in select areas, including Kansas City, North Carolina's Triangle Region, Arizona, and Iowa.

When Google Fiber first launched it cost just $70/mo. for symmetrical 1Gbps fiber internet. This is so much better and so much faster than broadband that people switching over are generally thrilled with it. Ounce for ounce, if you multiply $70 for a 1 Gbps X 20 for 20 Gbps you’d get $1,400. On that basis $250 doesn’t sound so bad. Google emphasizes that it’s not raising the base price for its existing service. Those costs are still $100 per month for 2 Gbps, $125 for 5 Gbps and $150 for 8 Gbps.

The 20 Gbps service includes a nifty Wi-Fi 7 router that can handle the faster data transmission. As you may know Wi-Fi 7 is a relatively new standard and not yet widely supported by devices. Google's configuration will use it although right now.

Right now, there isn’t a sole consumer device that demands a 20 Gig bandwidth but many computers can run at once on 20 Gbps and as people add more of them this level of speed will, in Google’s estimation, be useful. Google showcased multiple computers using between 1 and 8 gigabits of speed, achieving a total download speed of around 15 Gbps. Google sees this 20 Gbps service as the first consumer internet option designed to deliver multi-gigabit speeds to multiple devices.

It's worth noting that the 20Gbps Fiber service is currently in early access, and those in Google Fiber service areas can join a waiting list. Installation appointments for this service are expected to be available in early 2024.