All About Google Fiber
Google
is entering the ISP space with their Fiber plans. Learn more about what it
provides and how it works.
Having provided
Internet services such as search, collaboration, and messaging for several
years, Google is now offering fast Internet access/TV service in the form
of Google Fiber. Described as "A
different kind of Internet," Fiber is presently available only in Kansas
City (both the Kansas and Missouri versions). However, Google Fiber is
expanding to more Kansas locations as well as Austin, Texas and Provo, Utah
(these latter cities having been picked just this month).
What does Google Fiber offer?
Fiber has a solid yet
straightforward set of options:
·
1Gb Internet speed
·
A Network box with
integrated Wi-Fi Access Point
·
A TV box with 200 HD
channels and Wi-Fi capability (802.11 a/b/g/n)
·
A Storage box which
can hold 2TB of content and provides DVR capability (eight programs can be
recorded at once) as well as the ability for multiple TVs to recorded shows
·
A Nexus 7 tablet which
includes a Google fiber app which
allows you to "use your mobile device instead of a traditional remote
control t
o control the content playing on any Google Fiber TV in your home. You
can also play some types of Google Fiber content directly on your mobile device
using the Google Fiber mobile app." This app is also available for
Androids (Jelly Bean or later) and iPads running 6.0 or higher.
·
1Tb of Google Drive
space
How is Google Fiber oriented towards businesses?
At the moment Google
Fiber dwells exclusively within the consumer realm. Fiber Terms of Service
prohibit users from running servers (although multi-player games, conference,
and other "server capabilities" are allowed).
Google states "We
are currently focused on our Fiber-to-the-home network, which is for
residential consumers. For businesses located in qualified fiberhoods, we plan
to introduce a small business offering shortly - stay tuned to google.com/fiber
for more details." A Fiber plan for businesses would probably focus more
on Internet/phone functionality and less on TV/DVR options. The business plan
might also entail additional features involving bandwidth controls, remote
access, uptime guarantees, and support packages.
On a related note,
Google recently held a "Get your business online" event offering free websites and domain name registration for
small businesses. Although the event was oriented towards Kansas users similar events in other locations are a
possibility. Facilitating the growth of online business makes sense for Google
in order to move into a position to provide Fiber business plans to customers.
How does Google set up their Fiber service for subscribers?
On their "Learn about your devices" page, Google
states "first, we pull a fiber optic connection directly to your home and
connect it to a Fiber Jack. Then, the Network Box takes the gigabit connection
from the Fiber Jack and distributes the ultra-fast Internet inside your home...
the Network Box has four gigabit Ethernet ports where you can plug in computers
to get the highest speeds. It is equipped with great Wi-Fi, and although Wi-Fi
is slower than a wired connection, we have built in an advanced Wi-Fi radio to
allow you to get as much of the gigabit speeds as possible when you are not
wired. Our firewall protects your home network from outside hackers but does
not compromise on speed. You manage your network on the web, where you can
control all your devices from a portal that is understandable by everyone. But
you still have access to all the advanced configuration options, if you are a
power user."
Google goes out of
their way to make it clear that 1Gb Internet access speeds may not universally
apply. They caution users that "you will not get the full 1Gig speed with
wireless devices. In order to get the fastest possible network speeds, you must
connect your computer or other device directly to the Network Box using an
Ethernet cable." Other factors such as the age and configuration of the
connected devices, Internet latency and the use of the TV video stream can
impact Internet speed for attached devices.
Will Google snoop on my web access if I use Fiber?
The short answer: no
more than any other ISP might.
The long answer:
the Google privacy policy applies
to Fiber, and this indicates that Google does collect information you give
them, as well as information they get from your use of their services. There is
also a Google Fiber Privacy Notice states
that "We may also obtain and use information about our Fiber users from
outside sources for marketing purposes (such as commercially available
demographic, geographic, or interest information)."
The Fiber help page says "When you use Google
products (like Gmail or Search) while connected to Google Fiber Internet, your
information will be treated as usual... if you choose Google Fiber Internet as
your service provider, information from Google Fiber Internet usage (like the URLs
of non-Google websites visited or the content of emails sent using a non-Google
email account) may be accessible to Google Fiber. This kind of Google Fiber
Internet usage information won't be associated with your Google Account or
accessed by Google unless we have your consent to do so or if an applicable
law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request requires us
to do so."
How can I sign up?
Google Fiber is
presently available to a very small group of people. As of April 2013, if you
want Google Fiber you have to live in (or move to) one of the Kansas Cities, or
wait for it to come to Austin or Provo if you reside there.
If you are one of the 600,000 people in the
Kansas City areas, you can access Google Fiber
