Google Fiber Vs MetroNet: Which Provider Best For You?

Do you know Google Fiber and MetroNet have one thing in common? Both offer gigabit internet through their 100% fiber network. They have emerged to provide lightning-fast speeds and enhanced connectivity.

What if you have to choose between Google Fiber Vs MetroNet? Without a doubt, comparing two prominent players in the gigabit internet market can be a daunting task. Don’t worry; we are here to help.

This article will do a comparative analysis of Google Fiber and MetroNet. So, you can look at their offerings, features, and potential impact on the digital landscape. We will highlight key factors that can help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Google Fiber and MetroNet

Google Fiber Overview

Launched by Google on February 10, 2010, Google Fiber was intended as a revolutionary step in broadband connectivity. It’s a high-speed fiber broadband internet that offers gigabit internet speeds.

Google Fiber was launched initially in select cities across the United States. Its goal was to provide households and businesses with an ultra-fast and reliable internet connection.

MetroNet Overview

A relative newcomer to the scene, MetroNet has rapidly gained recognition for its gigabit fiber-optic internet services. The ISP started its journey in 2005 as a local fiber internet service provider in Greencastle, Indiana.

This family-owned business is now headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. MetroNet has expanded its operations mainly across the Midwest and southern United States.

Currently, it is the country’s largest independently owned fiber-optic ISP. It aims to bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed internet to traditionally underserved areas.

Key Takeaways Based on Our Research

• Google Fiber is a broadband internet service that Google is currently rolling out in 16 states across the US.
• MetroNet operates in over 250 communities, serving over 5.1 million customers across 16 states.
• Google Fiber has a super-simple plan selection, starting at $70/month.
• MetroNet is the United States’ biggest, independently owned, 100% fiber-rich ISP.
• Google Fiber offers affordable gig speeds without contracts, data caps, fees, or fuss.
• MetroNet’s starting tier is slower than other internet providers’ opening offerings.
• Google Fiber is still constrained by minimal availability.
• MetroNet’s reasonably priced packages offer great value for a fiber internet provider.
• Google Fiber offers the highest internet speeds up to 8Gig, while MetroNet offers speeds up to 2Gig and 5Gig in selected markets!

Google Fiber Vs MetroNet: A Comparative Analysis of Gigabit Internet Providers

	Google Fiber	MetroNet
Technology	FTTP (Fiber To The Premises technology)1	FTTH (Fiber to the Home)2
Connection Type	Fiber	Fiber
Release Date	February 10, 2010	2005
Download Speeds	1000Mbps – 8000Gbps	100Mbps – 2000Mbps
Upload Speeds	1000Mbps – 8000 Mbps	100Mbps – 2000Mbps
Latency (Ping)	19.08ms	26.57ms
Contracts Type	No	No
Data Caps	No	No
Package Prices	$70/mo. – $150/mo.	$29.95/mo. – $59.95/mo.

MetroNet Vs Google Fiber: Speeds and Performance

The speed of an ISP determines how quickly you can browse, stream, download, and upload content. Consistency is also essential as it ensures that the ISP delivers consistently high speeds, even during peak usage.

Thankfully, both Google Fiber and MetroNet offer gigabit speeds. You get a thousand times faster speeds than traditional broadband connections. This ensures seamless streaming, quick downloads, and lag-free online experiences.

MetroNet offers tremendously faster speeds with different speed tiers. You get 100Mbps to 5Gig. Though it offers 2Gig and 5Gig in selected regions, its 1Gig option is plenty for most needs.

Since MetroNet has a 100% fiber-rich network, you’ll get superfast speeds with unlimited data. That is to say; you will not experience speed throttling during network congestion. Also, it offers symmetrical download and upload speeds.

Moreover, the performance with MetroNet is excellent. Google Fiber, on the other hand, is one of the fastest internet service providers and offers superior performance. It is built to deliver impressively high speeds to individuals and businesses.

Google Fiber’s speeds start at 1000Mbps; in some regions, it offers up to 8000Mbps speeds. It is more than enough for even the heaviest internet users. Google Fiber provides symmetrical speeds on all the plans except the 2000Mbps plan.

On the 1000Mbps and 2000Mbps plan, you get 1000Mbps upload speeds. However, it has enough bandwidth to meet the HD streaming needs of the entire family. Lastly, unlimited data is the cherry on top of both ISPs.

Google Fiber Internet Vs MetroNet: Internet Plans and Pricing

When it comes to internet packages, Google Fiber has a lot to offer. It has four gigantic plans, 1Gig, 2Gig, 5Gig, and 8Gig, respectively. Their 5Gig plan is currently available in Kansas City, Provo, and Salt Lake City.

However, 5 and 8 Gig are currently offered in Mesa and West Des Moines. The pricing of Google Fiber can significantly influence consumer choices as it offers reasonable rates for gigabit speeds. You only need to pay $150/month to get the 8Gig plan.

Google Fiber Plans and Pricing

Plans	Download speed	Upload Speed	Price	Data Caps
1Gig	1000Mbps	1000Mbps	$70/mo.	No
2Gig	2000Mbps	1000Mbps	$100/mo.	No
5Gig	5000Mbps	5000Mbps	$125/mo.	No
8Gig	8000Mbps	8000Mbps	$150/mo.	No

MetroNet offers four monthly plans at competitive pricing for their residential customers. The plans start from 100Mbps and include 500Mbps, 1000Mbps and 2000Mbps. The pricing of MetroNet plans is excellent during the promotional period.

Its low-tier plans 100Mbps and 500Mbps cost $29.95/month and $49.95/month for the first 12 months. After 12 months, these costs increase by $10/month after 12-months. Even its 1Gig plan costs $59.95 for the first 6 months, which rises to $69.95 later.

Surprisingly, its highest-speed 2Gig plan costs only $99.95 for 12 months. After 12 months, the rate increases to $109.95. Though the price increases, it is still cheaper than its competitors.

MetroNet Plans and Pricing

Plans	Download speed	Upload Speed	Promotional Price	Standard Price	Data Caps
100Mb	100Mbps	100Mbps	$29.95/mo.	$39.95/mo.	No
500Mb	500Mbps	500Mbps	$49.95/mo.	$59.95/mo.	No
1Gig	1000Mbps	1000Mbps	$59.95/mo.	$69.95/mo.	No
2Gig	2000Mbps	2000Mbps	$99.95/mo.	$109.95/mo.	No

Google Fiber Vs MetroNet: Availability

Google Fiber initially gained significant attention due to its Google-backed reputation and promise of widespread availability. However, its expansion has been relatively slow due to logistical challenges and regulatory hurdles.

Google Fiber service is now available in several cities in 16 states. One thing to note is that not all plans of Google Fiber are available in all locations. You’ll get all four plans in some areas, while some have only two or three plans available.

Find out if Google Fiber is available in your city:

Contrarily, MetroNet has taken a more focused approach, concentrating on areas with significant demand for high-speed internet. MetroNet has established a strong presence in select regions while aiming to reach underserved communities.

MetroNet is basically more focused in the mid-west region. Earlier, it has coverage in 10 states in the north-central region. After it merged with Vexus Fiber in June 2022, it expanded to 16 states in the US.

MetroNet Vs Google Fiber Internet: Latency

MetroNet and Google Fiber have lower latency than traditional cable or DSL connections. Both use fiber-optic technology, which inherently contributes to lower latency.

When compared, MetroNet has slightly higher latency than Google Fiber. So, a MetroNet connection is relatively less stable than Google Fiber connection. Google Fiber is ideal for real-time activities such as online gaming, video conferencing, and streaming.

MetroNet Internet Vs Google Fiber: Equipment and Installation

MetroNet provides all the equipment the customers need to get started free of charge. All MetroNet plans include an Eero wireless router so you can start using the internet quickly.

If you add a wireless extender for WholeHome WiFi, you’ll have to pay $10/month. Moreover, MetroNet costs only $25 for installation, while some ISPs charge between $50-$100.

Unfortunately, MetroNet doesn’t have a self-installation option. You’ll have to wait for a technician to do the setup for you. However, MetroNet’s installation and equipment options may vary depending on your location.

Conversely, Google Fiber shines when it comes to equipment. Their plans include a WiFi 6 router and mesh extender, which doesn’t cost a penny per month. Installation is also free. On top of that, Google Fiber doesn’t charge any activation fees.

Google Fiber Vs MetroNet Internet: Customer Experience

Both Google Fiber and MetroNet prioritize customer satisfaction. With incredibly fast speeds, affordable pricing, and a lack of fees, Google Fiber makes a fantastic experience.

Yet, Google Fiber face challenges in maintaining consistent service quality due to its large scale. On the other hand, MetroNet has gained a reputation for exceptional customer service.

Relatively fast experience and decent value make a great experience overall. However, some of their strange fees, such as the “$10 technology service fee,” disappoint a few customers. Also, some people claimed to be overcharged.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, Google Fiber and MetroNet both have their strengths and areas of focus. Google Fiber brings the weight of the Google brand and its vision for widespread high-speed connectivity.

MetroNet, while newer, has made notable progress in building a community-oriented, customer-focused reputation. While the logistical challenges of Google Fiber have slowed its expansion, MetroNet is expanding its services strategically.

Ultimately, the choice between Google Fiber Vs MetroNet should be based on your preference. Both make a close call in terms of speeds, plans, pricing, and customer service. So, prioritize the specific needs of your household or business.

Best of Luck!

1. https://www.cableorganizer.com/learning-center/articles/fiber-optics-tutorial/understanding-fttp.php ↩︎
2. https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/fiber-to-the-home ↩︎