Google Fiber (NASDAQ:GOOG) has begun the signup process for its gigabit-capable Internet service in Charlotte, NC. The initial push is in the Highland Creek neighborhood, with others to be added as construction is completed. The company has also opened its Charlotte Fiber Space in the Philip Carey Building, where the company runs demos of its Fiber Internet and TV services.
Three residential packages are available, two based on 1 Gbps Internet service (with or without TV) and one on 100 Mbps service. Fiber Phone can be added to any of the three packages. The company also plans to introduce a low-income broadband adoption service of 25 Mbps for $15 a month.
Other service providers have been busy in Charlotte as well. Last November, Time Warner Cable completed its TWC Maxx upgrade program in the city, including Internet speeds up to 300 Mbps. More recently, Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN) expanded its fiber network in Charlotte, and AT&T (NYSE:T) connected an apartment complex in town with gigabit Internet service.
In other Google Fiber news, the company is ramping up its efforts to reach small to medium business customers in its footprint. Three symmetrical business services speed tiers are available: 1 Gbps, 250 Mbps and 100 Mbps. All include WiFi, gigabit routing, a firewall and no data caps. Up to 13 static IP addresses are available at additional cost. Services start at $70 a month for 100 Mbps, $100 a month for 250 Mbps and $250 a month for 1 Gbps. Business services are a relatively new offering for Google Fiber; its first limited pilots were last year.
