Why I Used to Not Care about Google Fiber — But Now I Do
A year ago, I was one of those people who rolled their eyes whenever someone talked excitedly about the advantages of Google Fiber. It can't possibly be that great, right? Turns out it can be — I just didn't know it yet. At the time, Google Fiber didn't affect me at all. I didn't have access to it, and my current Internet was fairly inexpensive and did what I (mostly) needed it to anyway.
That's all changed since I heard that Google Fiber is coming to Salt Lake City, where I live now. After reading about how it has benefitted places such as Kansas City and the North Carolina Triangle, I'm pretty stoked. We're getting Google Fiber, and it's going to be amazing. Here are five reasons why.
No More Buffering
What's the difference between 1,000 Mbps and 150 Mbps? I didn't know, either — until I did some research into how fast Google Fiber actually is. The best way to compare the two is to think about the things you download.
For example, if you play a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) on standard Internet speeds, you'll spend about 18 minutes downloading an update at 150 Mbps.
Contrast that scenario with fiber-optic Internet: at 1,000 Mbps, you'll spend about 2.7 minutes downloading the same update.
Streamlined Network Traffic
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) promise download speeds up to a certain amount. But those speeds are largely dependent on traffic and server availability. If there's a lot of traffic — multiple users connected to the same network or multiple devices using up your bandwidth — you're stuck.
With increased bandwidth to prevent congestion — and no data caps — Google Fiber is like the express lane of ISPs. You might have to pay a little extra for the service, but a major advantage of Google Fiber is that you get maximum speeds no matter how many other people are online at the same time. In fact, with Google Fiber's speeds, you can stream five high-definition videos at the same time while checking your email or surfing the Web.
Automatic Redundancy
People assume redundancy is a negative quality, but it's actually a good thing when you're talking about your Internet connection. With Google Fiber you can get automatic redundancy — a huge differentiator from other fiber-optic networks out there.
Basically, automatic redundancy is like having Dropbox or Google Drive on autopilot. Fiber accounts include 1 terabyte of Cloud storage space that can be accessed from any Internet-connected device and allow you to automate the backup of your files through syncing. If the local server goes down, you have nothing to worry about. Your files are in the Cloud, and you'll be up and running again in no time.
Increased Security Options
With fiber-optic Internet, you can establish a custom virtual private network (VPN) for added security. VPNs are nothing new, but they have historically been out of reach of everyday consumers and small businesses. You simply can't create one without a lot of speed and without paying a hefty fee.
But Google Fiber is fast and relatively inexpensive, which means you can easily set up your own VPN. While the hardware provided by Google Fiber does not support VPNs, Fiber allows you to use your own router and also gives you the option of adding up to five static Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (for an additional monthly fee).
Better Service Across ISPs
Although not necessarily the most obvious advantage of Google Fiber, its status as a disruptor of the telecom industry is perhaps its most important benefit for all consumers — whether or not they have access to or even want Google Fiber themselves. Google Fiber essentially is the equivalent of a startup. It's disrupting the industry by giving people a choice, spurring innovation, and driving down prices for consumers.
And ISPs are paying attention. To date, over 700 ISPs offer some version of fiber-optic Internet — many are even starting to offer faster options. The competition knows they either have to keep up with the disruptor or offer something compelling in return — for instance, better customer service with shorter wait times and lower prices.
That's why I'm excited about Google Fiber. It changes the competitive landscape, offers truly high-speed Internet, and provides greater security. What's not to love about that?
