Google Fiber is one of the most highly praised fiber internet providers in the United States. The service boasts some of the fastest upload and download speeds at some of the most competitive prices in the industry.
In our post-pandemic world, you really can't afford to have a slow, unreliable internet connection. Though it is typically more expensive, fiber optic internet is much faster and more reliable than standard cable internet.
Company Overview
Where available, Google Fiber offers extremely fast, 99.9% reliable fiber optic internet. Benefits include uninterrupted streaming with virtually no internet-related problems while working from home or distance learning. You can also enjoy reduced lag when gaming and smooth video calls.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Ultra-high upload and download speeds
- Includes up to 2 Google Wi-Fi devices
Cons
- Limited availability
- Slow to expand to other U.S. regions
Available Speeds: 1,000 to 8,000 Mbps
Price Range: $70-$150 per month
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
Google Fiber is a high speed broadband internet service provider that uses fiber optic cable to bring super fast, reliable internet connections to homes and businesses.
How does Google Fiber work? With fiber internet, data is sent through thin fiberglass strands as pulses of light, allowing it to travel nearly as fast as the speed of light.
As one of the best fiber internet providers, Google Fiber's competitors include:
- AT&T Fiber
- Verizon Fios
- Quantum Fiber
- Frontier Fiber
- Optimum Fiber
- Kinetic by Windstream
- Brightspeed Fiber
When Google Fiber emerged over a decade ago, it generated a lot of hype. Fiber internet revolutionized everything, offering download speeds that were previously unattainable. Google Fiber was one of the first companies to begin offering home connectivity for their fiber internet network, in conjunction with products like Google Fiber Webpass for apartments, condos, and businesses.
Today, Google Fiber is one of the top fiber internet companies in the nation, offering affordable, extremely high speed internet plans. Though expanding, Google Fiber availability is currently limited to cities in 19 U.S. states.
What Is GFiber?
Many people assume that GFiber is a nickname for Google Fiber – but this is not the case. GFiber is an Alphabet company that operates Google Fiber.
Where Is Google Fiber Available?
Google Fiber's biggest downside is its limited availability. Right now, Google Fiber services select cities in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
Google Fiber is in the process of growing its fiber internet service. After a multi-year hiatus, Google Fiber is finally expanding its geographical reach again, starting with 6 cities located in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and Nebraska.
You can sign up for availability updates on the Google Fiber website.
Products and Plans
Google Fiber offers plans for Google Fiber internet, Wi-Fi, TV, and phone services.
Google Fiber Internet
You might be wondering: How much is Google Fiber?
For high speed internet, Google takes a simple, hassle-free approach to plans and pricing. They offer four Google Fiber plans from 1 Gbps to 8 Gbps. Some plans are not available in certain areas.
| Speed Tier | Price | Equipment Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70/mo | Nest Wifi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E |
| 2 Gig | $100/mo | Multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router, up to 2 Mesh Extenders |
| 5 Gig | $125/mo | Multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router, up to 2 Mesh Extenders |
| 8 Gig | $150/mo | Multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router with 4 ports, 2 Mesh Extenders |
1 Gig Plan – $70/mo
The 1 Gig plan, priced at $70 per month, offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. This speed is ideal for streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, and heavy web browsing across multiple devices. For instance, downloading a 2.5-hour movie in 1080p resolution takes approximately 56.9 seconds, and a 10GB game downloads in about 1.5 minutes.
The 1 Gig plan includes a Nest Wifi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring strong and reliable connectivity. Customers can choose between free professional installation or an easy self-install kit, and the plan also includes 1 TB of free cloud storage, enhancing your data management capabilities.
2 Gig Plan – $100/mo
For $100 per month, the 2 Gig plan offers download speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second and upload speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. This plan significantly reduces download times, allowing a 2.5-hour 1080p movie to be downloaded in just 28.5 seconds, and a 10GB game in 42.2 seconds. It includes a multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router and up to two Mesh Extenders, which expand the reach and improve the stability of your home network. The package also includes 1 TB of free cloud storage.
The 2 Gig plan is good choice for intensive internet users who require faster downloads and robust connectivity for streaming 4K videos, managing large files, and high-speed gaming.
5 Gig Plan – $125/mo
The 5 Gig plan is available for $125 per month in select markets and offers symmetrical speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second for both downloading and uploading. This tier allows users to download a 2.5-hour movie in 4K resolution in just 26.9 seconds, and a 10GB game in only 15.9 seconds.
The plan includes the same multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router and up to two Mesh Extenders as the 2 Gig plan, along with free professional installation and 1 TB of free cloud storage.
The 5 Gig plan is a good choice for households with several heavy internet users and support seamless ultra-high-definition streaming, competitive online gaming, and quickly transferring large files.
8 Gig Plan – $150/mo
The 8 Gig plan costs $150 per month and is only available in select markets. It offers symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second. Under this plan, downloading a 2.5-hour 4K movie takes just 16.8 seconds, and a 10GB game can be downloaded in a mere 10 seconds.
The 8 Gig plan includes a multi-gig Wi-Fi 6E router with four multi-gig ports, two Mesh Extenders, free installation, and 1 TB of free cloud storage. This ultra-fast plan is ideal for tech-savvy households and professionals who demand the highest levels of internet performance for virtual reality applications, professional streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Google Fiber Wi-Fi
Google Fiber has its own Wi-Fi products that you automatically gain access to when you purchase a Google Fiber plan. Instead of a single standard router, Google Fiber relies on a mesh network, which uses multiple access points that work together to provide seamless, complete coverage for your entire home.
When you sign up for one of Google Fiber's plans, up to two Google Wi-Fi devices are included. If you select the 1 Gig plan, you will get up to two Google Mesh access points for your home. For most people's homes, two access points are plenty.
However, if your home is over 3,000 square feet or has an especially atypical layout, keep in mind that additional access points can be purchased for $100 each. Or, if you don't want to use Google's Mesh Wi-Fi network, you can opt to use your own router instead.
With the 2 Gig plan, you have to use Google's Multi-Gig router, which uses the newer, faster Wi-Fi 6. You will also receive one Google Fiber Mesh extender.
Google Fiber TV
Google Fiber has partnered with Youtube TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV, and Sling TV to offer streaming services for live TV channels at prices lower than cable TV. With live TV services, you can stream live channels over your fiber internet connection to tune into your favorite programs, when you want, wherever you want.
| Feature | YouTube TV | fuboTV | DIRECTV | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $72.99 | $74.99 | $84.99 | $40 |
| Channels | 85+ | 100+ | 105+ | 50+ |
| Live TV | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live Sports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| On Demand | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud DVR | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Regional Sports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Live TV services are available anywhere you have an internet connection, so you can watch on your living room TV or in your bedroom on your tablet. There are no contracts for live TV services, and most of them include Cloud DVR so you can record a show when it airs and watch it later. With Google Fiber, you can choose the best TV streaming service with the features, channels, and extras that are just right for your household.
Specific channels and prices vary by your Live TV service provider. Sling is the cheapest live TV option, at $40 per month for over 50 channels.
Youtube TV costs $72.99 per month and gives you access to over 85 live channels. Fubo TV costs $74.99 per month but you get over 100 channels, mostly sports related. “DIRECTV Via Internet” gives you the most channels (over 105) but is also the priciest, at $84.99 per month.
Google Fiber Phone
Google Fiber offers a home phone plan that delivers your phone service over the internet. It works just like your normal phone but is powered by Google Voice. For customers who already have a Google Fiber internet plan, the Google Fiber phone plan costs just $10 extra per month.
It's free to call anyone in the United States or Canada. International phone calls cost as little as $0.01 per minute. When you sign up, you can use your current home phone number, your Google Voice number, or get a new phone number.
In addition to being able to send and receive calls, Google Fiber Phone also has some smart internet features, like auto-spam blocking and privacy controls to specify who can call you and when. You can also record your calls, have transcribed voicemails texted or emailed to you, and program your phone number to ring on multiple devices, like your home and cell phone.
Google Fiber Devices
The following provides some basic information about Google Fiber devices and what they look like inside the home.
Fiber Jack
During the installation of Google Fiber internet, a wall plate is used by the installation specialist to cover the entry point of the fiber cable into the home. The small box connected to this wall plate is known as a Fiber Jack.
Network Box
The Google Fiber Network Box (GFRG100, GFRG110, and GFRG200) and Network+ Box (GFRG210) share the same size and appearance, but they differ in functionality. Some models have built-in storage for recording TV shows, while others require a storage box for recording.
Most network boxes have four gigabit Ethernet ports to connect computers for maximum speed, while the Mini Network Box has only one Ethernet port. All devices include a firewall which protects the home network from outside hackers without compromising the speed.
TV Box
Each TV is equipped with a TV Box, which can connect virtually anywhere, even out of sight behind the TV. Each Google Fiber TV Box is HD-ready with no additional monthly fees required to watch HD channels. The TV Box offers hundreds of HD channels, thousands of on-demand TV shows and movies, and fully integrated online video services such as Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.
The TV Box was developed to extend internet access throughout the home by converting every TV into a Wi-Fi extender. Furthermore, if the TV Box is connected to a coaxial wall jack, customers can utilize its Ethernet port to connect their gaming console or other wired devices, providing up to 100 Mbps (full gigabit speed can only be achieved by connecting directly to the Network Box).
Phone Box
Google Fiber Phone plans include a Phone Box with a phone jack. Google recommends using a cordless phone so you can have satellite handsets spread throughout your home.
Lifeline Program
Eligible households can get up to $9.25 off their Google Fiber monthly bill through the Lifeline Program. If you live on Tribal lands, you can claim up to $34.25.
The Lifeline Program provides financial assistance for phone and internet services to low-income households. Eligible participants can receive a discount of up to $9.25 monthly, or up to $34.25 if they live on Tribal lands. The program requires annual certification to ensure the assistance continues to support those who need it most.
To qualify for the Lifeline Program, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you must be a participant in certain federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI. Some state-specific aid programs also make you eligible.
To apply for the Lifeline benefits, you must first verify your eligibility through the Lifeline National Verifier website. This site simplifies the process by allowing you to upload the necessary documents to prove your participation in qualifying programs.
How To Sign Up for Google Fiber
To sign up for Google Fiber, you must visit their website at fiber.google.com. Then, enter your address and select “Check Availability.” If Google Fiber is available for your home address, you can follow the on-screen instructions to begin the signup process. You can choose your plan and input your preferred payment method.
After you sign up for Google Fiber, you can either self-install or request professional installation for the 1 Gig plan. The 2 Gig plan requires professional installation.
How To Request Technical Support
If you need to contact Google Fiber for technical support or answers to any questions you may have, there are many ways to do so. Many common questions can be answered on their FAQ page, so you should check this page first for quick and easy answers.
Google Fiber Contact Information
If you can't get the help you need using the resources on the Google Fiber website, you can call, live chat, or email a Google Fiber representative.
A Google Fiber employee is available to take your call 24/7 at one of these phone numbers:
- Residential Existing Google Fiber Customer: (866) 777-7550
- Business Existing Google Fiber Customer: (855) 418-8326
- New Residential Sales: (833) 942-0105
- New Business Sales: (877) 372-9790
- Construction Inquiries: (877) 454-6959
If you would prefer to live chat with a representative, you can visit https://fiber.google.com/chat to fill out a form and begin chatting online. You can also click this link to fill out a form and send an email to a Google Fiber team.
How To Cancel Google Fiber
If you decide that Google Fiber isn't right for you, you can cancel at any time. If you have signed up for Google Fiber but it has not been installed yet, you can cancel from inside your Fiber account on their website. Simply sign in to your account, click “Manage Profile” and then select “Cancel Fiber Service.” This will prompt a series of messages to appear confirming that you wish to cancel. Click “Continue” for each one to complete the cancellation process.
If you want to cancel your Google Fiber service and it has already been installed, then you will need to contact Customer Support by phone or live chat and provide your Google security PIN. After you cancel, your final bill will be given to you on the 3rd day of the following month. There are no fees or penalties for canceling.
Is Google Fiber Right for Me?
Google Fiber is one of the best fiber internet providers in the country. It is definitely worth signing up for if you live in one of Google's “fiber cities” and want affordable, blazingly fast internet speeds. With no annual contracts, data caps, or hidden fees, you really can't go wrong with Google Fiber service.
Compared to other fiber internet companies, Google has some of the lowest prices on gigabit speeds. However, if your household does not require the very fastest speeds and you only want to pay for what you need, you may want to take a look at other internet providers in your area.
Many other fiber optics companies, like Verizon Fios or AT&T Fiber, offer budget plans for slower speeds that still blow traditional cable internet download speeds out of the ballpark. Take some time to do your research and compare Google Fiber to other fiber, cable, and DSL providers available in your location before you settle on an internet provider.
