Google Fiber took to Twitter Tuesday to announce that it has begun to hook customers to its upgraded 1 Gbps-capable network in Provo, Utah, setting the stage for a battle with incumbent service providers CenturyLink and Comcast.
Google Fiber, which bought the iProvo network in July in exchange for $1 and promises to upgrade the network and complete the rollout, tweeted the above photo along with the message: “Hello, Provo! Here's a shot of our Installation Specialists kicking off installs in beautiful @provocity.”
Last month, Google Fiber began to let existing iProvo/Veracity Network customers sign up for service packages that include the stand-alone 1-Gig broadband offer, a broadband/TV bundle, and a free 5 Mbps Internet service in exchange for a $30 construction fee. Signups for the rest of Provo are expected to begin in January.
Like its Kansas City offering, Google Fiber is selling 1 Gbps broadband for $70 a month, with the 1-Gig/pay-TV combo starting at $120 per month, and a free 5 Mbps (downstream) Internet service in exchange for a $30 construction fee.
Google Fiber’s entry has already sparked a competitive response from Comcast, which is said to be readying a DOCSIS 3.0 tier in Provo that will deliver up to 250 Mbps downstream by 50 Mbps upstream for $80 per month. The MSO is also expected to introduce new triple- and double-play packages designed to blunt Google Fiber’s charge into the market. Comcast has yet to confirm or announce its revised service plans for Provo. Comcast's current, fastest residential DOCSIS service delivers downstream bursts up to 105 Mbps.
