Google Fiber plans to increase the internet speed package in early 2023. The company revealed two new internet speed packages – 5Gbps and 8Gbps. The 5Gbps costs $125, while 8Gbps costs $150. Both tiers will have symmetric upload and download rates.
Google offers the new package in some regions, like Kansas City, Utah and West Des Moines when they sign up to become “trusted testers.” If you’re eligible, Google will ask you how you expect to use the extra bandwidth.
This is a significant improvement from Google from the previous-best 2Gbps service in 2020. For example, users only need 11 minutes at 2Gbps when they download a 150GB Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the 8Gbps plan can download in less than three minutes in ideal conditions.
Google attempts to compete in the Fiber internet market, and it could help Google pitch its other services, of course, but you might not mind if it gives telecoms an extra incentive to roll out ’10G’ and similar upgrades sooner than they might have otherwise.