Google Fiber, the high-speed internet service operated by Google Fiber LLC, has opened sign-ups for a new 20 Gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber internet offering in select markets, with monthly pricing set at $250. The new tier represents a major speed upgrade over Google Fiber’s previous fastest service and demonstrates the capabilities enabled by Wi-Fi 7 technology.
Early Access Program Offers Blazing Fast Speeds
The 20 Gbps service is being introduced as part of an early access program, with broader availability not expected until 2024. Interested customers in Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama can currently enroll for access beginning next year. The early rollout will allow Google Fiber to test the 20 Gbps service on its network and make any needed tweaks before a wider launch.
The $250 monthly charge provides speeds up to 20 times faster than Google Fiber’s standard gigabit plan. It offers downloads up to 2.5 gigabytes per second and uploads reaching 10 Gbps. This enables downloads of 4K movies in just seconds and upload or sharing of large files in the blink of an eye.
Key Details on the 20 Gbps Offering:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Cities | Early access sign-ups open now in Nashville, TN and Huntsville AL |
| Release Timeframe | Early access rollout in 2023, targeting broader availability in 2024 |
| Monthly Pricing | $250 per month with 2 year contract |
| Speeds | Up to 20 Gbps download / 10 Gbps upload |
| Enabled By | Wi-Fi 7 powered network and equipment |
The exceptionally fast speeds are enabled by upgrades to Google Fiber’s network, including the shift to Wi-Fi 7 for the wireless home equipment provided to customers as part of the service. Wi-Fi 7 supports much faster throughput thanks to advances like quadrupled channel width. The 20 Gbps service also requires fiber optic connections straight to homes and compatible devices to fully leverage the boosted speeds.
Future Expansion Across Google Fiber Markets
Google Fiber did not provide specifics on which additional cities could get the 20 Gbps tier when it sees wider release next year. As the early tests get underway in Nashville and Huntsville, customers in other Google Fiber markets are clamoring for access as well.
There is particular excitement from the tech hub of Austin, Texas, where Google Fiber first launched back in 2014. Given Austin’s concentrated demand for ultra-high bandwidth, it is likely near the top of the list for 20 Gbps expansion in 2024. Larger metros like Atlanta and Charlotte may not be far behind.
Some industry analysts project that most Google Fiber regions will ultimately receive the new tier as Wi-Fi 7 gains adoption. However, the required network and equipment upgrades mean a staged city-by-city deployment is expected.
Response from Telco Competitors
While Google Fiber’s 20 Gbps speeds blow away offers from most broadband providers, competitors like AT&T Fiber and frontier fiber company Symmetrical Telecom are working on their own multi-gigabit services to keep pace.
AT&T has shared plans to begin rolling out 10 Gbps speeds in 2024. The offering would rival the new Google Fiber tier in download bandwidth but fall short on upload rates. Still, it represents a major acceleration versus AT&T’s current 1 Gbps fiber plan.
Smaller player Symmetrical Telecom, which operates in select metro areas in Florida, Ohio and North Carolina, sells residential fiber internet products ranging from 500 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps. They also empasize equal download and upload speeds. With itssymmetrical focus, the provider could look to leapfrog both AT&T and Google Fiber in the uploads race.
Ongoing Innovation in Fiber Speeds
The launch of the landmark 20 Gbps Google Fiber tier underscores that rapid innovation in fiber internet speeds continues. Multi-gigabit and even 10 gig+ bandwidth was almost unheard of for residential service just five years ago. But upgrades like Wi-Fi 7 and ongoing fiber infrastructure expansion are making such speeds a reality for more households.
And the speed leaps are far from over. Telecom equipment makers like Nokia are already testing systems that can deliver up to 50 Gbps over fiber. Such technologies could enable another doubling or more of consumer fiber speeds within the next decade. It illustrates that fiber internet is truly future-proof, with almost unlimited room to scale bandwidth over time as the underlying technologies progress.
That’s why customers excited to be the first to try Google Fiber’s 20 Gbps speeds should feel confident that even faster tiers will eventually follow. In the world of fiber internet, yesterday’s cutting edge is often just tomorrow’s table stakes. So for the lucky early adopters signing up today, enjoy those 20 Gbps downloads while they last.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
