Today is a great day for those of you seeking an extremely high speed alternative to the traditional cable TV and Internet providers, but only if you live in Kansas City. That’s right, Google has announced its Google Fiber service which provides data speeds of 1GB up/down. This is over 100 times faster than the average broadband connection speed in the U.S.
According to the company, Google Fiber is the “journey to bring ultra-high speed Internet to Kansas City.” In addition to Internet service, Google also introduced a line of hardware specifically designed for the service including a network box, storage box, and a TV box. Of course, for the moment, you still have to live in Kansas City.
As for what you get and how much it cost, the company announced three packages:
Gigabit + TV: $120/month – Sign up for a 2 year contract which then waives the $300 construction fee. Package includes 1GB up and down connectivity, full TV channel lineup (HD), no data caps, a Nexus 7 tablet to act as a remote, TV Box, Network Box, Storage Box, and 1TB of Google Driver storage space.
Gigabit + Internet: $70/month – With 1 year contract agreement, the $300 construction fee is waived. Included in the package is 1GB up and down connectivity, the Network Box, and 1TB of Google Drive storage space.
The third package is for customers not quite ready for a 1GB commitment. The following statement from Google outlines the third option:
We know that not everyone is ready to commit to a gig just yet. But we want to make sure you have the opportunity to upgrade when you’re ready. So if you pre-register and your fiberhood gets installed, you’ll have the option to get a 5 megabit per second (Mbps) connection for zero monthly charge, and your home will be wired and ready for the switch. The Free Internet option will cost $0 per month, although you will have to pay a $300 construction fee (which can either be paid at once, or in $25 monthly installments).
For more, check out the following videos outlining the announcement and promoting the service. First Kansas City gets all the great BBQ and now this. Just doesn’t seem fair somehow.
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