Google Fiber Vs. Google Fiber Webpass: What’s The Difference? – SlashGear

When Google Fiber first launched in 2010, it boasted an online speed of 1 gigabit per second, which at the time was a whopping 100 times the country’s average internet connection. Today, Google Fiber offers customers multiple plans, including an option that can reach download speeds of 2 gigabits per second (or 2,000 Mbps) and upload speeds of 1 Gbps. This plan currently costs $100 per month, though the 1 Gig plan is $70 per month and customers in some qualifying areas can subscribe to a 100 Mbps plan for $20 per month. Installing Google Fiber requires a small box called a Fiber Jack to be placed in your home, which you can then connect to a router and Wi-Fi. You can use your own preferred router, but to achieve the top speeds of the 2 Gig plan, you’ll need the company’s proprietary Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router.

Because it’s wireless, Webpass is a little slower than Google Fiber, topping out at 1 Gig, and could be slowed by the building’s infrastructure. Like Google Fiber, the 1 Gig plan is $70 per month, though it’s discounted to $63 per month with an annual contract paid upfront. If a Webpass antenna is on your roof, you can connect to it directly through an ethernet jack installed into your wall, with no other equipment necessary. You’ll probably want to connect a Wi-Fi router or ethernet hub to use multiple devices, but it really is that straightforward. Unlike some competitors though, you’re not beholden to purchase this equipment from the ISP itself.