Google fiber vs. CenturyLink

Google is a key service provider of various services across the world. With their entry into fiber they offer competitive prices against established brands like CenturyLink that have been in existence for decades. When it comes to coverage, CenturyLink has a clear advantage over Google Fiber as it is established in more than 40 states while Google fiber just covers a few states.

When to use Google Fiber Internet Service Provider

Google fiber offers you fast internet that is affordable and that lives in accordance to its name. You have only two data plans – Fiber 1000, and 2000. Both data plans are unlimited meaning you do not have to worry about data caps. When put into analysis the data speeds are one of the best in the country. However, the biggest problem is the company has not fully launched its services across the country.

When to use CenturyLink Internet Service Provider

CenturyLink uses DSL, fiber and cable. This means if you have an existing telephone line you can get connected to their DSL services. The ISP also offers fiber in select areas of the country. CenturyLink data plans are quite affordable and are ideal for most households. The company also offers a host of bundled packages that offer you TV, Internet and voice.

How we evaluate Google fiber and CenturyLink

Before choosing a service provider it is prudent to compare how its services compare to its competitors. This helps you gauge whether you are getting the best package. We are going to be comparing Google fiber and CenturyLink on the following factors:

• Coverage: This relates to how many cities and states a ISP serves. The more coverage you have the higher the chances that you will get their services.
• Contracts: Internet contract plans are important as they determine whether you will be subject to early termination fees should you abandon the contract midway.
• Prices and plans: You should get an internet plan that meets you family needs while not costing much. Bundled offers help you get service at a discount
• Data caps: In todays, digital age unlimited internet is the way to go as it allows you to stream with no worries of additional surfing costs

Google fiber vs. CenturyLink – A Comparison Overview

Google fiber Review

Google Fiber is available in two plans – the fiber 1000 with goes for $70 and offers 1Gbps and the fiber 2000 going for $100 and offering you 2Gbps. Both plans do not have data caps meaning you enjoy unlimited internet. While the internet plans are quite fast, dependable and affordable they are limited to select regions of the country. This means it may take some time for the service provider to land into your country.

Google Fiber exists as either the fiber or Webpass. The Webpass operates in a unique way as it is only available in select office buildings and apartments like in Chicago, Austin, Miami, Denver, Oakland, Nashville, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego. The plan is offered for $70/month and gives you to 1Gbps. The cool part is if you pay in advance you get a discount.

Pros

• Fast internet of up to 2Gbps
• No contracts required
• No data caps
• Affordable and dependable

Cons

Limited availability

Plan	Price	Download speed	Upload speed
Google Fiber 1000	$70	1000Mbps	1000Mbps
Google Fiber 2000	$100	2000Mbps	2000Mbps

CenturyLink Review

CenturyLink has been offering Internet services across the country for decades. Its DSL is widely available but falls short when it comes to offering reliable internet. The fiber is more dependable but only reaches 25 states. CenturyLink is available in over 37 states and is well known for its Price for Life deal. According to the Federal Communications Commission data, the company serves over 49 million customers.

Pros

• Offers some of the most affordable internet data plans
• You can choose from DSL, cable and fiber
• No contracts hence lack of cancellation fees

Cons

DSL speeds can be sluggish during on-peak seasons

How does Google fiber and CenturyLink Compare

Here we are going to compare how the two ISPs compare to each other on a list of pre-defined metrics. When put together you should be able to make an informed decision.

• Coverage: CenturyLink is available in 37 states where it offers DSL services. It fiber is limited to 25 states with expansion plans to other states. Google Fiber is less available than CenturyLink with availability in cities like Kansas, Provo and Austin. If you are looking for extensive coverage go with CenturyLink.
• Data plans: Google Fiber has only two data plans – their 1Gbps for $70 and 2Gbps for $100. CenturyLink has a variety of plans in their DSL, fiber and cable offering. Their prices range from $50 to $100 with speeds of 100Mbps to 940Mbps. CenturyLink has better data plans than Google fiber
• Data caps: Both companies do not have data caps meaning you can surf and download from the internet as much as you desire.
• Contracts: Both companies do not have any contracts meaning you do not suffer from early termination fees should you abandon a service provider.

Name	Google Fiber	CenturyLink
Price	$70-$100	$50-$100
Download speeds	1Gbps – 2Gbps	100-940Mbps
Coverage	Limited	Wide coverage
Data cap	Unlimited	Unlimited

Conclusion

Google Fiber offers faster internet speeds than CenturyLink but comes with the drawback of lack of coverage. It is limited to selected cities with many people complaining when it they will get connected. CenturyLink has coverage in more than 37 states and this makes it readily available. However, its DSL service is less reliable with customers complaining of network congestion during peak hours. Our winner is CenturyLink due to its extensive coverage.

FAQ

Is Fiber optic internet better than CenturyLink?

Fiber optic offers faster and more reliable internet than DSL and cable. CenturyLink offers all of them and their fiber is quite good with speeds of up to 1Gbps. However, it is available in select cities

Is Google Fiber going away?

No, it is not. The company keeps expanding to other cities

Does CenturyLink offer fiber optic?

Yes, it does and its speeds are quite reliable and dependable.

Why did Google Fiber fail?

The fiber has not failed completely as it operates in certain cities it is just that its rollout to other cities has being delayed and it seems to be taking forever. You will find Google fiber in cities like Austin, Kansas, and Provo.