Google's first major fiber network overbuild went live in Kansas City Thursday, offering TV and internet service. Google's stated intention is to compete with Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse services, and the initial offering looks to be competitive.
The posted price for the TV/Internet bundle is $120 a month. The Internet service ($70/month if separate) promises Gigabit data rates (1000 Mbps), and comes with 1 Terabyte of digital storage via Google Drive. The Gigabit Google Fiber TV promises "hundreds of on-demand shows and channels", DVR storage space, and access to movies through Netflix and YouTube. The kicker is that Gooble will throw in its new Nexus 7 tablet to serve as a remote (and offers a discounted Chromebook as an alternative0, AT&T's U-verse offers TV/Internet/Phone bundles from $89 to $166 per month - with more TV channels, but significantly slower data speeds (up to 12 Mbps); Verizon's FiOS TV/Internet bundles run from $80-$105 a month (with discount and 2-year commitment) and it also seems to offer more channels but slower Internet data speeds (25Mbps).
For now, Google Fiber excels in Internet access - being one of the first to build and use a Gigabit fiber network. Verizon seems to have shut down expansion of its FiOS service, and AT&T is focused on bringing its current network service to new areas. As such, it looks like Google's network speeds are likely to leave its competitors in the dust for some time to come. As Google brings its fiber network to more cities, it should be able to
attract interest from more TV channels and programmers and continue to
build up the TV side, making their service more desirable to all types of media consumers.
Source - Google Enters TV Biz, Google Fiber Debuts in Kansas City, OnlineMediaDaily
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