Google Fiber is rolling out its new 5Gbps internet plan after testing it in October. The service is now available in four cities: Kansas City, West Des Moines, and two cities in Utah. The symmetrical upload and download rates, upgraded 10 Gig Fiber Jack, professional installation, WiFi 6 router, and up to two mesh network extenders will cost $125 per month.
This ultra-fast internet speed may not be necessary for most households, but it could benefit those who require minimal latency or frequently transfer large files. Google Fiber’s 5Gbps plan could be useful for creative professionals or gamers. It would take only three minutes, under ideal conditions, to download a 150GB Microsoft Flight Simulator file, compared to 11 minutes at 2Gbps.
This move marks Google’s renewed focus on Fiber, which also includes its first network expansion in years. Furthermore, Google Fiber’s new internet plan will likely encourage competitors to upgrade their speeds and lower their prices on existing plans. Comcast already offers 6Gbps service in some areas, but its price of $300 does not include symmetrical uploads.
Google also confirmed that Fiber’s 8Gbps option, which was announced in late 2021, is still in the works. This service will also feature symmetrical uploads and downloads.
