I attended the initial Google Fiber launch event in my hometown, Kansas City, Missouri,
held on July 26, 2012. It was quite an event, with seemingly every issue covered, from having ample parking with shuttle buses, Google emblazoned umbrellas in case of rain, soft drinks and chairs for guests waiting for the doors to open. Oh yeah, Google Fiber means participants can have Internet access that is approximately 100 times faster than the current high-speed, broadband access. Yes, 100 times faster, and Google had numerous visuals to help attendees understand how fast that is.
Google promises us endless possibilities. Kevin Lo, general manager of Google Access, also introduced Google Fiber Television, a new cablelike video service. Customers will use a set-top box like a DVR that can record eight shows at once, store 500 hours of HD programming, and acts as a Wi-Fi router.
Prices are $120 per month for the total package, Google Fiber Television, $70 per month just Fiber Internet and there’s even a way to get fiber connected and pay no monthly fee for current average speed broadband (about 5 MBs). For the latter, Google does charge $300 for installation and promises to deliver the slower Internet access for seven years.