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Internet giant Google has unveiled what it says is the world’s fastest internet connection through its ultra-high speed service, offering lightning-fast access of one gigabit per second.
The service, which uses optical fibre to deliver speeds far in excess of traditional web services, offers speeds faster than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Google Fibe
The web search leader unveiled its ultra-high speed Google Fiber service in Kansas City, Missouri, and it hopes to roll out the service to other cities later, the Daily Mail reported.
“Access is the next frontier that needs to be opened, we’re going to do it profitably. That is our plan,” Google Chief Financial Officer, Mr Patrick Pichette, said.
“We are at a crossroad,” he added, noting that Internet speeds had levelled out for broadband since around 2000. “We at Google believe there is no need to wait,” he said.
Google Fiber Features
Google Fiber’s ultra high-speed connections and television offerings are aimed at surpassing those of current providers, allowing users to search live channels, Netflix, YouTube, recorded shows and tens of thousands of hours of on-demand programming.
However, no phone service is available.
“The phone is really a 1940s thing. Why have a landline? It’s sitting there, you use it once every two weeks,” Mr Pichette said.
Google said it also intends to roll out product packages for businesses, but would not provide details.
Google Fiber includes more than 100 networks and costs $120 a month for a package of TV, 1 gigabit per second Internet speeds and 1 terabyte of cloud storage.
“People are going to have high expectations for this. The worst thing they can do is come out and disappoint.” said Mr Ben Schachter, an analyst with Macquarie Research.
Internet-only package
Google is also offering an Internet-only package priced at $70 a month. The download speeds would be around 1 gigabit a second, according to Google executives.
Google is charging a $300 installation fee, saying consumers should treat it as a “home improvement” cost.
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