Is Google Fiber Worth the Hype?

Google Fiber, a broadband internet service under Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company), first launched in 2012 in Kansas City. Over a decade later, it’s available in more than 20 cities across the U.S. and continues to generate headlines about future expansion.

So, is Google Fiber truly worth the hype — or just another product in Google’s vast portfolio? In this article, we’ll break down what it offers, how it compares to other providers, and why it may stand out in an increasingly competitive internet market.

Key Takeaways: Google Fiber At-A-Glance

• Google Fiber offers three straightforward plans — 1 Gig, 3 Gig, and 8 Gig — with symmetrical speeds, no contracts, and no data caps.
• Equipment is included, with Wi-Fi 6E routers and mesh extenders ensuring strong in-home coverage.
• Availability remains limited to select cities, but expansion is underway in new regions.
• Industry awards and strong customer satisfaction ratings confirm Google Fiber as one of the top-performing ISPs where available.

Google Fiber is expanding. See if it’s available to you.

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What Is Google Fiber?

Google Fiber is the company’s broadband internet service. It offers three different gigabit plans: 1 Gig, 3 Gig, and 8 Gig over an expanding fiber internet network. 

According to the FCC, fiber internet transmits data much faster than DSL or cable, but speeds depend on various factors like plan availability and network congestion. Fiber internet is generally faster and more resilient to network congestion than cable, though reliability still varies by location. 

What is Google Fiber Webpass (Google Fiber Webpass)?

Google Fiber Webpass (also branded as Google Fiber Webpass) is a high-speed internet service that delivers up to 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds via millimeter-wave wireless technology. The connection reaches a fixed antenna on buildings like apartments or condominiums and is then routed to users over wired infrastructure. Acquired by Google Fiber in 2016, Webpass offers the same perks as Google Fiber’s fiber plans—no contracts, no data caps, and free installation and equipment. Its availability is more niche, typically found in select buildings within dense urban areas.

How is Google Fiber Installed?

If Google Fiber is available in your area, here is how it is installed at your residence:

1. Outside Installation
   Certified Google Fiber installers connect the fiber drop to a small box called the Network Interface Unit (NIU), mounted on the side of your home near other utilities.
2. In-Home Setup
   Once the NIU is in place, Google Fiber schedules your installation. A technician installs a Fiber Jack inside your home, which connects the incoming fiber to Ethernet and your Wi-Fi router.
3. Ready to Use
   With the Fiber Jack connected, your Google Fiber service is live and ready.

Google Fiber Availability

This internet service is currently available in over 20 U.S. cities, while Webpass is available in 13 cities. Even if service is available in your town, it may not be offered in your exact location. Use the ZIP search on its website to see if Google Fiber plans are available and ready for your home. Google Fiber’s reach is growing, with plans to step beyond major urban centers. As highlighted recently on Google Fiber’s blog, new frontiers like Douglas County, Colorado, are on the horizon, along with expansions in suburbs around existing Google Fiber cities. This growth is a promising sign for those seeking high-speed internet beyond major urban areas.

Google Fiber & Google Fiber Webpass City Availability

Notes about Google Fiber Availability:

• Google Fiber (Fiber to Home) is now in ~19 states, including new builds in Las Vegas and Lawrence, KS.
  
• Google Fiber Webpass focuses on dense urban metros, often targeting multi-unit apartments/condos.

How Much Does Google Fiber Cost?

In the world of internet providers with ambiguous plans and pricing, Google Fiber keeps it simple. There are three plans to choose from: 1 Gig, 3 Gig, and 8 Gig. Each plan comes without the stress of data caps, annual contracts, and hidden internet fees. The 1 Gig plan, at 7 cents per Mbps, and the 3 Gig plan, at even lower 3 cents per Mbps, make them some of the best deals around when it comes to high-speed internet.

Compare the plan options below:

Google Fiber offers its 1 Gig plan for free to customers in select public housing and affordable housing properties across Fiber cities. The service comes with no installation fees, construction fees, or contracts. Find more information about Gigabit Internet for Public Housing in the Google Fiber Help Center.

Other Google Fiber Services 

Google WiFi 

With the 1 Gig plan, you’ll receive one Google WiFi extender. Google WiFi is a mesh system that automatically puts your devices on the best WiFi channel. 

The 3 Gig plan comes with WiFi 6E Router and up to two extenders. The Mesh Extender extends your WiFi by connecting to the router to create a seamless network that provides wall-to-wall coverage. 

Google Fiber TV

Google Fiber once offered its own TV service, complete with a set-top box, DVR, and hundreds of live channels, but it has since been discontinued. Today, Google Fiber customers can pair their high-speed internet with streaming services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV to get live channels, cloud DVR, and on-demand programming. This approach gives users more flexibility, no long-term contracts, and the ability to watch across multiple devices. Instead of a bundled cable-style package, Google Fiber now focuses on delivering fast, reliable internet that powers whichever streaming TV option customers choose.

Google Fiber Phone

Google Fiber’s phone service is powered by Google Voice and is delivered over the internet. Google Fiber Phone is available for $10/month and comes with unlimited free calls in the United States and Canada.

Future Expansion

This internet provider launched over 10 years ago and is still only available in 20 cities. If you’re wondering, “Where did Google Fiber go?” you’re not alone.

In January 2025, Google Fiber announced that Douglas County, Colorado, would be the newest market for fiber-to-home service. According to Google Fiber, building a new fiber network takes time. In Kansas City, it installed 7,000 miles of fiber, which is almost the distance from New York City to Beijing. While the rollout timeline makes sense, we’re eagerly watching how it will expand its high-speed internet across the country.

Comparing Google Fiber to Other Internet Providers

Comparative Analysis: Google Fiber vs. Other Internet Providers

Google Fiber vs. Xfinity

• Pro: Google Fiber offers symmetrical upload speeds up to 8 Gbps, while Xfinity’s uploads max out around 300 Mbps — a major difference for gamers, streamers, and remote workers.
• Con: Xfinity has far greater availability nationwide, making it easier to access in most markets.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber

• Pro: Both providers deliver symmetrical speeds and no data caps, but Google Fiber’s 8 Gbps plan outpaces AT&T’s top 5 Gbps tier.
• Con: AT&T Fiber is available in more metro areas, giving it a broader reach than Google Fiber today.

Google Fiber vs. Verizon Fios

• Pro: Google Fiber edges ahead with 8 Gbps speeds compared to Verizon’s 2 Gbps top tier. Both offer symmetrical speeds, no contracts, and no data caps.
• Con: Verizon Fios is well-established across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, while Google Fiber is still limited to select cities.

Is Google Fiber Worth It?

When evaluating Google Fiber, both customer satisfaction and industry recognition point to its strong value. Not only does it deliver symmetrical gigabit speeds, transparent pricing, and no data caps, but it also consistently earns top marks from independent reviewers and industry studies.

Awards & Recognition

• Forbes — Named Best Fiber Internet of 2025 (two-time winner); rated “Great” in customer satisfaction and “Excellent” in customer support.
• J.D. Power — Ranked #1 for Home Wired Internet Satisfaction in the South Region (2023 & 2024).
• PCMag — Three-time winner of the Readers’ Choice Best ISP award.
• CNET — Praised Google Fiber as offering the best value among major internet providers.

These align with the American Customer Satisfaction Index, where Google Fiber ranks above the category average, outshining many non-fiber providers. The accolades highlight Google Fiber’s commitment to speed, reliability, and customer care. The main drawbacks — limited availability and gradual expansion — mean it’s not yet an option for most households. 

But where it’s offered, Google Fiber remains one of the best choices for online gamers, heavy streamers, and large households seeking top-tier performance without hidden costs. The inclusion of advanced Wi-Fi equipment makes it a future-proof home networking solution for even the most demanding households.

Google Fiber has simplified fiber internet with its “what you see is what you get” offerings. Fingers crossed that Google Fiber continues its overdue rollout to more communities across the nation.