Google Fiber Is Coming To Charlotte

Beth Sterner
Beth Sterner
Published on July 24, 2016

The wait is almost over; Google Fiber has started development of their high speed internet network in Charlotte. It has been four years since Google launched the Fiber Internet service.

The current cities you can enjoy the lightning fast fiber internet service are:

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Austin, TX
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Kansas City, KS
  • Nashville, TN
  • Provo, UT

google fiber map

Let’s pause for a minute and dig deeper into what Google Fiber is and what we can expect here in Charlotte. This network is part of Alphabet Inc.’s fiber-to-the-premises service, also known as FTTP. Since Google’s start in 2012, it’s Fiber network grew in 2014 to an estimated 29,867 television subscribers. These estimates increased to 120,000 customers as of October 2015. According to third party analysts, Google Fiber could reach 8 million homes in the US by the year 2022.

The following chart will show the difference between the cost of Google Fiber vs Time Warner Cable (TWC)

google fiber comparison

Looking at the comparison above you can see that you get 70% more internet speed with Google Fiber vs Time Warner Cable’s fastest internet plan. One major difference is that after 12 months, TWC monthly rate increases; whereas Google Fiber does not. Google also has a free internet option for 5Mbps/1Mbps (download/upload speed) for $0/month locked in for a total of 7 years.

Time Warner Cable recently went through a significant service increase for their $30-$40/month plan, which now provides users with up to 50Mbps/5Mbps. Another company that is trying to keep up with Google Fiber is Comcast, who recently introduced 2Gbps service in select geographic areas. The Comcast hyper speed will set its users back $300/month, much more than its competitor.

Google says it’s customers are able to download a full movie within 2 minutes. The 1Gbps speed, while amazingly fast compared to other major internet providers, will require network devices to support Gigabit Ethernet cabling. An added bonus to the Google Fiber network is the option to add a home phone for just $10/month with international calls as low as $0.01 per minute.

google fiber phone

So why is Google offering a better service for a fraction of the cost? Well Google wants to drive its competitor’s prices down; and by doing so, they believe, more people will use Google’s online services while spending more time online. While Time Warner Cable, Comcast and AT&T try to keep up with the low cost of Google Fiber, they are helping Google reach their goal.

 

I know you are waiting for me to cover more about Google Fiber’s expansion into the Charlotte, NC area. The construction of the new high speed network has begun in northeastern, Charlotte. Google Fiber has informed Charlotte officials of its plans to provide service to the entire city of Charlotte. The company has applied for more than 72 permits for working along roadways in the right of way areas. Work began in Highland Creek neighborhood this past summer. Highland Creek is located in the University Area of Charlotte. As of January of this year the following graphic was up to date for Google Fiber’s permit submissions and approvals.

google fiber charlotte

In order for Google Fiber to bring their internet service to the Queen City, they must construct cable systems neighborhood-by-neighborhood, with over 3200 miles of fiber cable. Google has about 40 contractors in the Charlotte area performing the work for them as they obtain new permits.

As you can expect there has been numerous complaints from residents about the work that is going on in their yards and around neighborhoods. Google Fiber encourages these residents to call its hotline and Charlotte city officials ask residents to call 311 with any questions.

google fiber mooresville

Google has setup an email list for anxious customers to sign up for notifications as to when service will be available in their area. It has been estimated that greater than 28% of Charlotte homes do not have broadband access. Google Fiber has leased offices in Charlotte at 301 E. Seventh St, where local residents can meet Google representatives, participate in workshops and sign up for this incredible service. As of right now the offices are not actively accepting residents; but once the new fiber network becomes available, they will be signing up new customers.

For those of us living in the Lake Norman area, there is no information as to when we can expect Google Fiber to reach us. If you live in Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson or Mooresville, you will just have to be patient as Google Fiber focuses it’s efforts on the larger metropolitan areas before we see this service in our neighborhoods.

Beth Sterner is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor® in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in Mooresville, Troutman, DavidsonCornelius, Huntersville, Denver, Sherrills Ford, Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

Beth Sterner can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs! Give me a call!

980-228-1051
[email protected]
BethSternerRealEstate.com

chat_bubble

Contact Us!