Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) officially launched their Fiber Internet service in Kansas City on Thursday. The announcement was made from Milo Medin (Google’s Vice President for access services). He said the goal of this new service is to provide consumers and businesses with better computing power and storage needs.
According to Medin, “Even though the Internet was invented here, other countries have sped ahead, and their citizens enjoy much faster speeds.”
And unlike some internet providers, Medin claims the Google Fiber users will never be docked with overages or broadband caps. Another benefit for Google Fiber users? They get 1 terabyte storage on Google Drive.
Prior to the official release, Google’s engineers tested the Fiber service against broadband networks. The download speeds are just under 1Gbps at roughly 937Mbps. Google wants to become a direct competitor to the likes of Comcast Xfinity and Verizon FiOS, and that’s why they’re launching Fiber TV service, which will allow users to record up to 500 hours of shows in high-definition, and a smartphone app that will replace the remote control.
Medin is excited about this new venture, as he said it’s not just internet or just tv, it’s Google Fiber.
Kansas City residents who want to pre-register for both services, can order a package deal for $120 a month. If users decide to sign up for a two-year agreement, the construction fee will be waived. Internet alone will be $70 a month and if users sign a one-year agreement, the construction free will be waived.
Google’s Fiber TV service includes most of the major cable networks, including C-SPAN, Discovery, History Channel, MTV, Showtime, Starz, and many more. They also include a variety of lifestyle channels like NASA, Biography Channel, CMT, Hallmark, Style, and TLC.
For now, this service is available exclusively in two cities, Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS. As of now, there is no word on when or where Google Fiber will expand to next. Hopefully, they will start expansions in other large metro-areas in the next few months
It’s interesting to see Google branch out into the internet and television service sector. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s also great to see Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) launch their service in not-so-major areas. Most companies would choose their launching points in major metropolitan cities like New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago. I think it’s terrific that Google chose middle America as the starting point.
