Google may have accelerated your internet connection.

A recent report by Ookla, based on Speedtest data, highlights how the arrival of Google Fiber in different markets has led to a significant increase in internet speeds overall. Google Fiber has set a new benchmark by offering gigabit internet services, reaching speeds considerably higher than what most providers offered previously.

According to the report, the presence of Google Fiber in a market often drives competitors to provide faster and more reliable internet to keep up. In areas where Google Fiber operates, download and upload speeds have increased, benefiting not only Google customers but also those using other internet service providers (ISPs). Speedtest data shows a clear trend: in cities where Google Fiber is available, internet speeds for all providers have improved. This is not limited to just Google users.

Competing providers, such as AT&T and Comcast, have updated their offerings to provide faster speeds and remain competitive. For example, in the Kansas City area, one of the first places where Google Fiber was introduced, average download speeds rose dramatically, even for ISPs that are not Google. Competition has been forced to offer similar speeds, creating a domino effect of faster internet in areas that were previously lagging.

The report also emphasizes how gigabit internet, which many providers once considered unnecessary, has become the new standard in cities with Google Fiber. This pursuit of higher speeds benefits consumers as it leads to better network infrastructure and more competitive pricing. Providers like AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Cox have now implemented gigabit or multi-gigabit options in cities where they face competition from Google Fiber. In response, some competitors are exploring options that go beyond gigabit speeds, offering 2Gbps and 5Gbps plans to retain high-end customers.

These services have become more prevalent in markets where Google Fiber is present, reflecting the competitive pressure they face. For consumers, this competition represents excellent news. Google Fiber's entry into the broadband market has forced other ISPs to improve their services, resulting in faster speeds, more reliable connections, and often better prices. Moreover, as competitors invest in fiber optic infrastructure to compete with Google, more households can access high-end internet, even in previously underserved areas. Whether through direct competition or simply raising expectations for internet speeds, Google Fiber's influence remains evident, and consumers are the big winners.