Google Fiber Blog

Responsive internet support that puts you first

2026-03-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Get fast, reliable internet backed by award-winning, responsive customer support. We’ve invested in the people, tools, and technology to make real responsiveness the baseline, not a premium add-on. What does ‘responsive’ really mean? It’s a clear commitment reflected in our performance and customer ratings.

What is GFiber's average customer service response time?

You can see our commitment to service in our performance and customer ratings:

GFiber's average customer service call response time is 9 seconds.*
94% of our customers give our customer service 5-star ratings, and 98% of in-home service visits are rated 5 stars.**
When you need to talk to a person, our team is available 24/7 by email, chat, or direct message.

More importantly, those internal performance metrics are backed up by recognition from our customers.

GFiber was ranked by J.D. Power as having the “Top Residential Wired Internet Customer Satisfaction in the South Region”***

GFiber has been recognized for “Best in Customer Satisfaction for Home Wired Internet Service in the South Region” for 3 years in a row.*** That recognition comes directly from our customers, and we’re committed to expanding our network without compromising the service that earned this award. We're here if you ever need us. The awards and metrics are just one side of the coin. When you need real help, GFiber has clear ways to reach our support team and find answers quickly.

GFiber gives you all the tools you need to troubleshoot issues

The best first stop for most questions is our Help Center. It's the fastest way to get answers for common questions like finding your Wi-Fi password or how to run a speed test.

For straightforward questions, email or chat will get you a fast response.
For more complex issues, call us or schedule a call at a time that works for you.
In some of our cities, you can also visit a GFiber Space in person for hands-on help.

The GFiber App also puts a lot of troubleshooting power directly in your hands.

In-app tools for quick support

Network Health provides a real-time assessment of your speed, coverage, and overall performance.
Speed Test distinguishes between speed to your home (wired) and speed to your device (wireless).
TechSee lets our support agents see your connection issues in real time via video.
Technician Tracker shows you your technician's location and ETA when a visit is scheduled.

The app is your best companion for real-time diagnostics, a few simple checks at home can often fix minor issues.

Troubleshoot at home

If your internet is offline and you’ve checked for a known outage on fiber.google.com/outage and there's no confirmed outage in your area, start by checking your account at fiber.google.com/myfiber for any billing alerts. If that’s not the issue, use our Help Center’s step-by-step guide for troubleshooting your equipment, including your router, your Fiber Jack, and your mesh extender (if applicable) for any issues. If there’s a confirmed outage, our team is already working to resolve it. To get text updates on an outage, visit Settings in your GFiber account or text START to 434237.

Internet with a service standard you can trust

Fast, reliable internet is just the beginning. Our goal is for you to never have to think about your internet. But on the rare occasion that you do, we’ve made sure those moments are as seamless as possible. That’s why the GFiber experience is built on a foundation of award-winning customer service, quick response times, and powerful self-service tools like the GFiber app. Whether you prefer to troubleshoot on your own, talk to a representative, or receive a text update on a network outage, we ensure you have the fastest path to a resolution. With GFiber, you get the speed and reliability you need, backed by a service standard that always puts you first.

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*Based on average data from July 2022 - July 2023 data

**Based average data from January 2, 2023 - April 30, 2023 across all GFiber markets.

***[J.D. Power] GFiber received the highest score in the South region of the J.D. Power 2023-2025 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Studies, which measures customers’ satisfaction of service with their current internet provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Transparent pricing and no hidden fees: What makes GFiber different

2026-03-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

Choosing an internet service provider can feel like a lot. With today’s technology, speeds are reaching thousands of megabits per second, which is amazing—but what actually separates one provider from the rest? It almost always comes down to value—what you get for what you pay, and how well it supports your life online.

The problem is that internet service often comes with fine print that’s a headache to navigate. Hidden fees or unexpected rate hikes can turn your monthly bill into an unpleasant surprise. GFiber is here to change that. Our broadband labels include everything you need to know, with simple, easy-to-read explanations of exactly what you’re paying for. If you’re thinking about switching, here’s a quick guide on how to evaluate products based on performance, price, and long-term value.

Evaluating internet products? Here’s what to look for

Start by figuring out your home’s internet needs and your monthly budget. Think about how many people and devices are jumping on at once—streaming, gaming, video calls. The more the merrier, as long as your product provides symmetrical upload and download speeds with low latency, even during peak usage times for your house.

Next, check out the options in your area that hit your speed and budget goals. Reliable third-party reviewers like HighSpeedInternet.com and CNET are great resources for comparing competitors based on real customer surveys and network tests. At GFiber, we have a guided tool that asks a few basic questions to help you find your perfect product in just a few clicks based on some simple questions.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, dive into the details. This is where those broadband labels really help.

How to read broadband labels like a pro

The FCC requires that every internet service provider (ISP) display an internet “nutrition label” for their products when people are making buying decisions. These labels break down performance, including speeds, any fees, and clear pricing.

GFiber was an early adopter for these labels and one of the first providers to share publicly. We put every detail about our service in there, which is just one more reason you can be confident in the stability of our pricing, staying the same month to month. You can compare broadband labels across all our products right here.

If you’re looking at other ISPs, keep an eye on the fine print. Does that advertised price stay stable month after month, year after year, or is it an "exploding offer" that hikes up after some period of time? Always check the “Additional Charges and Terms” for infrastructure or equipment costs—your price should include the hardware it takes to make your internet work. And look closely at “Discounts & Bundles.” Many sign-up discounts vanish after a year and bundles can require you to buy things you don’t need, meaning your bill can get a lot bigger than you expect.

The GFiber transparent pricing guarantee

We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for—no exceptions. We offer three straightforward products—Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and Edge 8 Gig—each with reliable performance and simple pricing. Depending on where you live, there may be a local access fee required by the local municipality (typically under $4.50 a month). If that’s the case, you’ll see it clearly marked on your bill and all of that money goes directly to your city, town or county.

So what are the common shenanigans to watch out for with other providers? Look out for equipment rentals for routers or extenders, activation charges, data cap overages, and those vague “maintenance” fees. Others might offer flashy bundle deals, but look out for price hikes once the promo ends or penalties if you try to leave.

At GFiber, you don’t have to worry about the extra stuff. That means no hidden fees, no contracts, and no data caps. Just internet that works as hard as you do.

What makes GFiber different?

We provide internet you can actually rely on. Our products are designed for your lifestyle—whether you want effortless Core 1 Gig, our everyday essentials Home 3 Gig, or the no-limit experience of Edge 8 Gig, you’ll get the best value per megabit.

With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and free professional installation, switching is easy. Check out our products and pricing here.

GFiber Edge 8 Gig: Built for homes where the internet needs to be ready for anything at any time

2026-02-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

For many households, a gigabit connection delivers great performance. But some homes need more to keep up with their internet needs. When you have multiple people working, creating, or competing online simultaneously, speed and reliability aren't just conveniences—they're essential. Edge 8 Gig is specifically engineered for those homes.

What is GFiber’s Edge 8 Gig?

Edge 8 Gig is GFiber’s fastest residential internet product. Get symmetrical 8 Gbps speeds for just $150 a month, including free professional installation, unlimited data, battery backup and an uptime guarantee.* Like all GFiber products, what the price you see is what you pay, there are no annual contracts or added fees for equipment or repairs.

What’s included in Edge 8 Gig?

Beyond symmetrical 8 Gig speed, Edge includes features that extend beyond speed, setting it apart from our other products. During installation, our team will consult with you and, if eligible, create hard-wire connections in up to two high-use areas—like a home office or gaming setup—using your home’s existing qualified wiring. This ensures your home’s most important devices aren't Wi-Fi dependent.

Edge 8 Gig also includes a Wi-Fi 7 router** and up to two mesh extenders. And because we know how important it is to stay connected, Edge comes with battery backup, providing up to 2 hours of power if your electricity goes out,*** and an uptime guarantee.**** If your service goes down, we’ll credit your account automatically for the time you were offline.

The GFiber standard: Performance you can count on

Our network delivers latency that's 41% better than typical US internet service, and our customers experience upload speeds that are nearly 8x faster than the national average.

What does that mean for your home network? It means crystal-clear video calls that never stutter, massive creative files uploading before you can finish a cup of coffee, and a gaming experience perfectly in sync with your reflexes.

It’s that level of performance that has led one long-time customer, Robert Pease, to compare getting GFiber in his neighborhood to "seeing the Renaissance start." That might sound big, but for creators and power users, that’s what 8 Gig feels like. It’s why PCMag and CNET consistently rank us at the top of the industry. We aren't just building a faster connection; we're building a "no-limit" experience.

Is Edge 8 Gig right for my home?

If your home runs like a small business (or is one), creative studio, or gaming hub, Edge 8 Gig gives you the speed, reliability, and backup infrastructure to keep up with your needs.

Ready to switch? Check if GFiber is available in your neighborhood: fiber.google.com

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*[Uptime guarantee] Conditions Apply. See Uptime Guarantee for Details

**[Equipment included] Customers canceling service will have to pay a replacement fee (including any applicable taxes) if they fail to return equipment within 60 days after cancellation.

***[Battery backup] Provides up to 2 hours of power for your primary point of internet connection during a power outage. Will not power extenders. May not function in a serious or widespread outage that also affects centralized networking facilities. Only available for Home 3 Gig customers ($10/mo) and Edge 8 Gig customers (included). Plans and Reliability Plus features may not be available in all locations. Please check your address at fiber.google.com to see available speeds and options for your area.

****[99.9% Uptime] Conditions Apply. See Uptime Guarantee for Details

GFiber Core 1 Gig: Yes, it’s still $70. And it’s the best value in internet

2026-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

You shouldn't have to think about your internet. You just need it to work fast, reliably, and with zero surprise charges on your bill. Core 1 Gig has been doing exactly that since 2012—the same product, the same price, and the same commitment to value, without compromise. Here’s a closer look at the internet that just works.

What is GFiber Core 1 Gig?

Core 1 Gig is where the GFiber story began. It’s our foundational, no-nonsense internet product that delivers symmetrical 1 Gbps speeds (that’s 1,000 Mbps upload and download). All for $70 a month. That includes everything you need—free installation, free Wi-Fi, unlimited data, free repair—and nothing you don’t. No annual contracts, and absolutely no hidden fees. It’s the original price—and we haven't changed it in over a decade.

What's included with Core 1 Gig?

Core comes with a GFiber Wi-Fi 6E router and up to one mesh extender for wall-to-wall coverage across your home included. Prefer to set things up yourself? If you already have GFiber connected to your home, you can use our app to get up and running without scheduling an appointment with a technician.

Who is Core 1 Gig for?

If you're an individual, a couple, or a smaller household looking for premium internet performance without paying a premium price tag, this is the plan for you.

What do people actually think of GFiber?

We prefer to let our consistency speak for itself. Just ask our customers, like @Valteria_KC, who noted: “I’ve had Google Fiber for like 7 years and the price has always been 70 bucks a month. Hasn’t changed one time.”

That’s the kind of reliability that has earned us top honors for customer satisfaction from J.D. Power three times and "Reader’s Choice" from PCMag four times. CNET even called us "the best value you’ll find from any major ISP." We’re proud of the recognition, but we’re even prouder that our customers don’t have to think about us.

Is Core 1 Gig right for my home?

If you want fast, dependable internet at a price that's been fair for over a decade, Core 1 Gig is right for you. We’re reimagining the internet experience. No hidden fees, no fine print to worry about. Just internet that works.

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*Customers canceling service will have to pay a replacement fee (including any applicable taxes) if they fail to return equipment within 60 days after cancellation.

GFiber Home 3 Gig: The perfect fit when everyone's online at once

2026-02-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Picture this: It's prime time at your house. You're on a critical video call, someone else is streaming the season finale, and a kid is deep into an online game while background music plays. Sound familiar? We designed GFiber Home 3 Gig for these busy households—it's the power you need to keep everyone running smoothly, all at the same time.

What is GFiber’s Home 3 Gig?

Home 3 Gig is built for households where multiple people depend on the internet simultaneously. It delivers symmetrical 3000 Mbps speeds for just $100 a month. Best of all, you get free professional installation, unlimited data, no long-term contracts, and no hidden fees. We like to call it our "Goldilocks" product—it's truly just right.

What's included in Home 3 Gig?

Home 3 Gig comes with our custom-engineered Wi-Fi 7 router included. This powerhouse device covers up to 5,000 square feet and comes with up to two mesh extenders to eliminate dead zones. Here's why Wi-Fi 7 matters: Older routers rely on a single frequency band, but Wi-Fi 7 operates on three. Think of it as upgrading from a single-lane road to a multi-lane, high-speed highway for your data. This means better consistency and less interference for every device connected in your house.

What our customers say

Our customers often tell us that once they switch, they simply stop thinking about their internet—which is exactly the point. Whether it's being named "Best Fiber Internet" by Forbes or "Best Overall" by HighSpeedInternet.com multiple years running, the consensus is clear: when your internet just works, your entire home runs better.

Is Home 3 Gig right for my home?

If your current connection struggles to keep up with your household internet needs, then Home 3 Gig was built with you in mind— fast enough for everyone, reliable enough to count on, and priced to deliver great value.

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*Customers canceling service will have to pay a replacement fee (including any applicable taxes) if they fail to return equipment within 60 days after cancellation.

**Actual internet, Wi-Fi speeds, and Wi-Fi coverage are not guaranteed and can vary based on factors such as home or business size and layout, construction materials, hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc.

Why GFiber’s customer service sets a new standard for internet providers

2026-02-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

At GFiber, we believe that great internet is about more than just speed—it’s about respect. That's why we obsess over customer service. We’re on a mission to completely change what you expect from your internet provider, and world-class support is how we do it.

We make it easy to connect with real humans

Getting help shouldn't feel like an endless dialing maze. At GFiber, we’ve created plenty of ways to get the answers you need from easy-to-use self-service tools to actual humans. Our Help Center is a great first stop for quick info, and it’s personalized for your city. This way, the answers you get apply to your local network.

When you want to talk to a person, we’ve made that straightforward, too. Whether you prefer calling our support line, sending an email or using live chat, we’re ready when you are. You won't spend your day on hold or waiting on a long chat queue—our typical response time is 30 seconds or less.

Quick technical questions might be perfect for chat, while complex setups might be easier over the phone (in fact, we even use video chats to allow our service agents to diagnose and resolve issues quickly). The choice is yours, and the quality of service is high no matter how you reach out.

Keeping you up-to-speed, always

Our ultimate goal is to provide internet that’s so reliable you don’t have to think about it - and this goal drives everything from how we build our network to how we communicate with you.

While unexpected outages are rare, they can happen due to severe weather or construction crews hitting a network line. For the unexpected situations, we’ve developed troubleshooting resources that walk you through the steps and keep you updated until you’re back online. If we need to perform maintenance that might affect your connection, we'll do it quickly and during off hours, and let you know in advance so you can plan alternative internet access.

We know that when your internet is down even for a short time, it’s very frustrating. That’s why we aim to respond as quickly as possible to get you back online

Don’t take our word for it — GFiber’s outstanding third-party reviews speak for themselves

The recognition confirms what our customers already know: putting people first leads to excellence, and that’s a result that experts notice. Here are a few we’re especially proud of:

Highspeedinternet.com named GFiber the "Best Overall Provider 2025"

Cabletv.com honored us with several 2026 Home Internet Customer Satisfaction Awards, including "Best of the Best," "Best Bang for Your Buck," and "Best Customer Service Experience"

Reviews.org named GFiber "Best Internet Provider" and "Best Internet for Gaming"

These awards matter because they’re based on real-world criteria like network performance, value, and the true experience of customers.

GFiber is raising the industry standard with every customer conversation

Every time you talk to us, it reflects our commitment to making internet service better. Instead of accepting long wait times or "good enough" support as the industry norm, we’re showing what’s possible when the customer experience is actually our top priority.

We’re constantly investing in training and tech to make sure that getting help is, well, helpful. When you choose GFiber, you’re choosing a team that measures success by how quickly we improve your digital life.

Deciding if GFiber is the right internet for you? 5 key factors for choosing GFiber

2026-02-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

With so many high-speed internet providers out there, it can be tough to know which one is the right fit. The quality of your personal experience usually depends on a few key things. That’s why it’s important to find a provider that understands how internet shapes your daily life and builds their service around your reality.

Here are five factors that set GFiber apart and make us the right choice for your home or business, specifically tailored to your internet needs.

GFiber was built to provide a better internet experience

Internet providers tend to have a bad reputation for hidden fees, poor customer service, and unexpected price hikes. GFiber changes all of that.

Unlike traditional providers that evolved from phone or cable companies and use a lot of the same pricing shenanigans, GFiber reimagines what internet service could be. Every decision we make centers on delivering an experience that's genuinely different—and better—than what you've come to expect from your internet company. From developing breakthrough speeds to rethinking customer support, our approach focuses on building the kind of internet we'd want to use ourselves.

This philosophy drives us to deliver fast, reliable, and competitively priced internet access through cutting-edge technology. We're building infrastructure and service models designed for how you actually live and work today, rather than making incremental improvements on traditional systems.

GFiber products: Designed for your lifestyle

Your internet service should reflect how you actually use it. Speed claims often focus on download numbers, but real-world performance depends on much more. Our Lifestyle Internet Products are a commitment to symmetrical fiber service so that your upload speeds match your downloads—which is crucial for video calls, cloud backups, sharing content, and working from home.

Third-party data from Ookla shows the difference. Our customers experience upload speeds that are 684% faster than the national average. Beyond raw speed, we maintain latency that's 41% better than typical US-based internet service, creating noticeably more responsive performance whether you’re gaming competitively, joining video meetings, or just browsing.

These improvements come from years of working on network caching and traffic management. Those technical details significantly impact your daily experience. As a team, we focus on these metrics because they show how our network performs under real conditions, not just in ideal testing scenarios.

GFiber brings future-ready internet to life

For years, there's been a frustrating gap in multi-gig internet service. Providers could deliver incredible speeds to your home, but once that signal hit your router, wireless technology couldn't keep pace. You'd have to have Ethernet cables running through your walls to actually use those speeds.

That limitation is now behind us. Our Wi-Fi 7 router represents a genuine technological leap, delivering wireless performance that finally delivers speeds previously only achieved via wired service.This advanced router comes included with our Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig products at no additional charge, even though similar premium mesh systems can cost a small fortune (in some cases up to $1,699).

For the first time, customers can achieve over 3 gigabits per second wirelessly—a breakthrough that makes our service truly future-ready. This investment anticipates the massive growth in AI, immersive video, and other bandwidth-heavy tech that will define how we use the internet in the coming years.

Our award-winning customer service is always here to support you

Customer service has often been a pain point with traditional ISPs. GFiber’s approach starts with building internet that’s reliable enough that you won’t have to worry about your connection. We proudly maintain 99.9% network uptime.* When you do need a hand, our average hold time is just 9 seconds,** and we’re available around the clock.

In addition, GFiber is the most-awarded internet in the US for service that people love.

GFiber is the 3x Winner J.D. Power Award #1 in Home Wired Internet Satisfaction in the South.***
Leading third-party reviewer CNET rated GFiber "Best High-Speed ISP of 2025 (National),” saying, “There's arguably no better multi-gig provider.”****
GFiber is a 4x PCMag Reader's Choice Award Winner, adding in their 2025 results, “GFiber is the gold standard in US broadband internet service.”*****
HighSpeedInternet.com rated GFiber as 2024 and 2025's Best Overall internet provider in the US.******

These recognitions reflect our broader commitment to raising the bar for the entire industry. To hear from real GFiber customers who love—“not like,” but “LOVE”—their experience, see this video.

Nationally recognized. Locally loved.

GFiber operates as both a local community member and a growing national provider. In our communities, we keep expanding coverage and pushing what’s possible. In newer markets, we bring proven infrastructure and service standards that show our commitment to innovation.

Our commitment to communities goes deeper than great service. We’re working with local partners to help close the digital divide, because everyone deserves fast, reliable internet access.

Our Gigabit Communities: We’ve partnered with local organizations to provide free internet access for residents in public housing.
The Digital Inclusion Fellowship: Sponsored by GFiber, this program helps community organizations build and sustain vibrant digital literacy programs in our cities.
Community Connections: We connect local non-profits with fast, reliable internet at no charge, giving the people they serve a place to get connected.
Check out our Community Impact page to learn more about our work to close the digital divide.

Choosing an internet provider today means choosing a long-term technology partner. GFiber delivers breakthrough tech, performance-focused service, and genuine support. The result is internet built for how you live and work, today and tomorrow.

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*99.9% reliable connection based on 2023 average annual uptime reliability excluding commercial power outages and planned maintenance. **Based on average data from Jan - Oct 2025 data ***For J.D. Power 2025 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards ****CNET: A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license; Reprinted with permission. © 2025 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved. *****PCMag: A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license; Reprinted with permission. © 2025 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved. ******Named 2024 & 2025's Best Overall Internet Provider in the U.S. according to HighSpeedInternet.com.

Named 2024 & 2025’s Best Overall Internet Provider in the U.S. according to HighSpeedInternet.com.

[Speeds] Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual internet speeds, Wi-Fi speeds, and Wi-Fi coverage are not guaranteed and can vary based on factors such as home or business size and layout, construction materials, hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc.

[Ookla] Faster than U.S. average based on analysis by GFiber of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data comparing GFiber fixed broadband median upload speeds to combined median upload speeds of all U.S. fixed broadband providers and speed tiers for Q1-Q2 2025.

Latency comparison based on analysis by GFiber from Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data of GFiber multi-server median latency and combined median multi-server latency of all U.S. fixed broadband providers and speed tiers for Q1-Q2 2025. Individual speeds vary.

[Equipment value disclaimer] Retail value based on price of router plus two extenders.

Is GFiber internet worth it? Understanding high-speed internet benefits and beyond

2026-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

When you’re shopping for internet service, you hear a lot about speed. But how is that actually measured? And more importantly, is paying for the fastest speeds worth it? How much speed do you actually need?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about internet speed and how to figure out if you’re actually getting what you are paying for.

What does high-speed internet really mean?

To get technical, internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher the number of megabits, the more information you can transfer every second. When speeds reach 1,000 Mbps, that equals 1 Gig. Today, GFiber’s fastest internet products offer speeds up to 8 Gig. (We’re actually also testing 20 Gig in several cities)

In practical terms, that means your whole family can work from home without worrying about dropped video calls. All your gamers and stream-watchers can enjoy the best quality without buffering, and busy households can count on reliable coverage from the basement office or game room to the upstairs bedrooms.

Key terms for measuring speed

Internet service providers (ISPs) use a few common terms to measure speed: download, upload, and latency.

Download speed measures how fast information travels to you. This affects how long it takes to download large files, update games, stream without buffering or load complex internet pages.
Upload speed measures how fast information travels from you. This affects how you look and whether you freeze on video calls, how fast you can upload files to the cloud, and how long it takes to send big attachments.
Latency (also called ping) is your connection’s reaction time. In this case, fast means "low latency"—a more responsive connection. You’ll notice this most in timing-sensitive situations, like online gaming.

Many internet products offer much faster download speeds than upload speeds. GFiber is a leader in providing symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads are just as fast as your downloads so you can really do everything you need to do online.

How fast is fast? Comparing speed across providers

The average internet speed for U.S. households is about 214 Mbps, according to highspeedinternet.com.* If two or more people use the internet in your house, you’ll likely want a minimum speed of 100 Mbps, according to broadbandnow.com. However, most people today are used to speeds of 500 Mbps or more, which allows a more seamless internet experience. For comparison, GFiber products offer speeds up to 1 Gig, 3 Gig, 5 Gig, or 8 Gig (or 1,000 - 8,000 Mbps).

So that covers speed to your home, but it’s not enough to have great internet coming in. You’ll also need equipment that allows your devices to take advantage of all that speed, so you want a provider that offers the latest technology. For example, Wi-Fi 7 is the newest router standard, significantly improving how your devices connect. If you’re curious about how fast your current connection is in your home right now, check out the free GFiber speed test—it works with any provider.

Is all this speed worth the cost?

Fiber internet gives you performance and security that goes beyond basic connectivity. If you’re uploading large files, gaming, or streaming in 4K (or doing all these things simultaneously, fiber’s symmetrical speeds and low latency are game-changers.

If you consider yourself a "light" internet user, weigh the value carefully. Look for transparent pricing combined with reliable performance. You should know exactly what you’re paying every month. Many providers use promotional pricing that jumps significantly after a year (or less!). Make sure you understand what’s included (like equipment and installation or service) and whether your price is likely to change. GFiber has maintained our pricing since our launch in 2012.

The GFiber difference is more than speed

The GFiber experience isn’t just about the speed you get; it’s about the peace of mind that comes with it. We know the internet is the lifeblood of your home, which is why we’ve built in extra features to ensure you stay connected and in control.

Stay connected during an outage

We offer a battery backup** option for certain products. This can keep your essential internet services running even if the power goes out, which is a game-changer for busy households who can’t afford an interruption to work or school.

Total control with the app
For total network control, you can manage your connection right from the GFiber app. It’s the simplest way to see who’s connected, run a quick speed test, manage your Wi-Fi network, and check on your mesh equipment for optimal whole-home coverage.

Confidence you can count on

Our Uptime Guarantee*** on our Edge 8 Gig product shows how confident we are in the reliability of our fiber connection. We back up our performance promise with credit on your account if you don't get the connection you expect. That’s a guarantee for our power users who demand the very best.

Why GFiber is worth it

GFiber consistently earns recognition for both speed and value.

GFiber is the 3x Winner J.D. Power Award #1 in Home Wired Internet Satisfaction in the South.
Leading third-party reviewer CNET rated GFiber "Best High-Speed ISP of 2025 (National),” saying, “There's arguably no better multi-gig provider.”
GFiber is a 4x PCMag Reader's Choice Award Winner, adding in their 2025 results, “GFiber is the gold standard in US broadband internet service.”
Reviews.org honored GFiber as the Fastest ISP of 2025 and 2026.
HighSpeedInternet.com rated GFiber as 2024 and 2025's Best Overall internet provider in the US.

We’re proud of that because it confirms what we hear from our customers every day.

Our pricing is simple. You can see exactly what you’ll pay on our Broadband Facts label, and there are no data caps or sneaky price increases. We’ve stuck to this straightforward approach since 2012. Your product includes not only your router but also the mesh Wi-Fi equipment you need for whole-home coverage.

Getting started is easy. We offer professional installation at no extra cost, but many people choose to set everything up themselves with self-install.

Not sure which plan is right for you? Take this short quiz to see which option best meets your needs.

Ready to learn more? Visit gfiber.com to check availability and see which of our internet products is right for you.

Disclaimers:

*As of early 2025, data from HighSpeedInternet.com confirms the average U.S. household download speed is approximately 214 Mbps.

**Provides up to 2 hours of power for your primary point of internet connection during a power outage. Will not power extenders. May not function in a serious or widespread outage that also affects centralized networking facilities. Only available for Home 3 Gig customers ($10/mo) and Edge 8 Gig customers (included). Plans and Reliability Plus features may not be available in all locations. Please check your address at gfiber.com to see available speeds and options for your area.

***Details on our Uptime Guarantee at: https://gfiber.com/legal/terms/residential/uga/

For J.D. Power 2025 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards

Named 2024 & 2025’s Best Overall Internet Provider in the U.S. according to HighSpeedInternet.com.

The complete guide to GFiber installation: what to expect during pro install

2026-02-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

We designed our installation process to connect you to fast, reliable internet as easily as possible. Whether a technician does the work or you do it yourself, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

There are two ways to get started: professional installation and self-install. The exact steps depend on which internet product you choose or where you live. To see what’s available for your home, check availability of service at your address at fiber.google.com.

Choosing your installation path

Professional Installation: A technician handles the entire setup. This is the best choice if fiber is new to your neighborhood or if you want an expert to ensure your home is perfectly connected throughout your residence. Check out this video for an overview of the professional install process.

Self-Install: If your home is already "fiber-ready" and you’ve chosen a compatible internet product, you can get connected as quickly as the same day by choosing pick-up (where available in select markets) or have your kit delivered via express shipping (1–3 business days). To learn more about the self-install process, visit this page.

Preparing your property

Before we connect your home, we need to make sure the ground is safe to work on. We coordinate with local utility companies to mark underground lines—like water or gas—with temporary paint or flags.

You don’t need to be home for this part.
Leave the markers in place until after your installation is finished.
Mark your own items: If you have an invisible dog fence or sprinkler system, please mark those yourself so our crews can avoid them.

Connecting to the network

Once the lines are marked, our crew brings a new fiber line to your home. They will install a small gray box called a Network Interface Unit (NIU) on the outside of your house. This is where the fiber enters your home. If we need to dig a small trench to bury the line, we will restore the area when we're done.

Setting up your equipment

If you choose professional installation, a technician will visit for an in-home appointment. They will install a Fiber Jack—the small device that brings the internet signal inside—and connect your Wi-Fi router.

For more detail about the GFiber professional installation process, visit our complete guide here. If you are planning to self-install, follow our step-by-step guides for your specific plan and equipment and eligibility.

How Long Does it Take to Install GFiber?

The timing depends on whether your home has been connected to GFiber before:

Already connected: If the fiber is ready, a professional installation appointment usually takes about 2 hours.

New connections: If we need to bring a new line to your house, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to complete the exterior work and utility marking.

We can’t always predict exactly when utility marking will be finished because it’s handled by independent local services, but we will keep you updated before, during, and after install.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

Stay connected: Keep your current internet service active until your GFiber connection is up and running.
Clear the way: Make sure the technician has easy access to the area where the fiber line enters your home and the rooms where you use the internet most.
Have your info ready: Keep the email and password you used to sign up handy for your technician.
Track your tech: Use the GFiber app to see when your technician is on the way.

How is GFiber’s Installation Process Different from Other Providers?

We never make you wait around all day or leave your yard a mess. GFiber puts your time and property first.

No more half-day waiting windows

We value your schedule as much as you do. That’s why we schedule actual appointments, not windows. We let you know exactly when to expect our technicians.

Performance you can see

After completing your professional installation, your technician will run performance verification tests to ensure your network is configured for the best possible speeds across your home. We also perform remote diagnostics on our network to prevent and fix any issues before they affect your home network.

Respect for your home and property

Safety is our top priority. We strictly follow local processes and regulations, including working with 811 services to locate underground lines before any work begins.

Trenching and boring: We use precision methods to bury your fiber line while minimizing the impact on your landscaping.

Property restoration: If we disturb any part of your yard or driveway, we restore it to its original condition.
Fast response: In the unlikely event that there is damage to a utility line, we quickly coordinate with the utility company on the repair.

Wi-Fi 7: Welcome to the era of multi-gig wireless

2026-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Multi-gig has been big news for awhile, but until now multi-gig internet has largely been a wired-only club. Customers could get from 2 to 20 gigabit speeds into the home, but unless you ran an Ethernet cable through your walls, you couldn't actually capitalize on all that speed throughout the entire home.

Now, that’s history. The GFiber Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 7 Router delivers our best Wi-Fi ever— now included with our Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig products at no extra cost.

Meet the custom-engineered GFiber Wi-Fi 7 Router. Designed to push our network to the limit with a 10 Gig port and wireless speeds over 3 Gbps, this premium hardware now comes standard with Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig plans at no extra cost.

What makes Wi-Fi 7 different?

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just the next version number. It’s the technological leap forward that finally allows wireless speeds to catch up to hardwired speeds. For the first time ever, customers can pull speeds over 3 gigabits per second (Gbps) over wireless.

In addition, we had our Wi-Fi 7 hardware custom-built from the ground up to highlight the strengths of our 25G PON network. With ports for hardwired speeds to up to 10 Gbps on the Wi-Fi 7 router and mesh extenders, combined with Multi-Link Operation (MLO), we wanted to make sure GFiber customers have what they need to push the hardware to the absolute limit.

With the level of technology embedded in its hardware, our premium Wi-Fi 7 mesh system is valued at up to $1,699 and comes included at no extra cost.

The Highway Evolution: Think of previous Wi-Fi generations (left) like a standard highway where traffic is forced into a single lane, causing congestion. Wi-Fi 7 with Multi-Link Operation (right) acts like a smart traffic controller, opening multiple lanes simultaneously so your data flows freely with ultra-low lag.

Multi-Link Operation—a true information SUPERhighway

But the benefit goes beyond the router. With mesh extenders, Wi-Fi 7 enables wireless speeds up to 3.4 Gbps to more places in the home via MLO. Think of Wi-Fi as a highway, MLO is like a smart traffic controller for your data. Before, Wi-Fi forced a device to choose one lane (or frequency band) at a time. If that lane was congested, the connection lagged. MLO is smarter: it intelligently opens up multiple lanes simultaneously, allowing the router and extenders to send and receive data across multiple bands at the same time. If one frequency gets crowded, data just flows through the others. It turns multi-gig from a localized hotspot into a home-wide reality. This kind of smart, multi-gig coverage should be the standard, not a luxury add-on.

Wi-Fi 7 comes standard. Not as an add-on.

Of course, all of these new features are meaningless if the product isn’t accessible to everyday users. That’s why we’re making the Wi-Fi 7 router (and up to two mesh extenders) standard starting at just $100 per month with our Home and Edge products. When GFiber customers opt for a multi-gig experience, we want them to get the absolute most of that experience with our service.

Fulfilling the promise of the next generation of internet

We set out to build an internet that doesn't just keep up with life but moves it forward. For years, we’ve been investing and building a network capable of 20 gig speed. By bringing Wi-Fi 7 into the home, we are taking the final step in turning our long-term network investment vision into reality in the home. We’re not just launching a new router—today we’re fulfilling the promise of the next-generation internet we’ve been building since day one.

Welcome to the multi-gig wireless era—unchained, included at no extra cost, and ready for whatever our customers will do next.

Posted by Ishan Patel, Product Manager, GFiber Hardware

A multi-gig approach that puts customers first — next in internet starts in Iowa

2026-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

When GFiber first brought gigabit speed to Kansas City in 2012, we didn’t just offer a faster internet connection; we established a new benchmark for what you should expect from your internet service provider.

Today, we’re doing it again. We’re thrilled to announce that Des Moines is officially our first market where multi-gig internet is the standard, and we’re rolling it out to customers at the same prices we’ve always had (in fact, some customers will be paying less per month!). At the same time, we are also leveling up our highest speed products to Wi-Fi 7, our most powerful Wi-Fi ever. This isn't just about more speed; it’s about continuing to create and add value, not just for the newest customers, but those that have always had GFiber. In fact, many of our existing customers woke up this morning to up to 3x higher speeds for the same price they’ve been paying, without having to do anything (and with just a click of the button on our side).

More speed. Same price.

At GFiber, we take immense pride in knowing our customers love … not like … LOVE their GFiber service. We’re in this relationship for the long haul and we know that to keep love like that going we have to keep investing in our relationship—surprising, delighting, and growing to flex and meet changing needs. So, starting with Des Moines, we’re leveling up our lifestyle products without changing the prices:

Core 1 Gig becomes Core 3 Gig ($70/month): 3x the symmetrical speed of our original internet and still the same price since 2012.
Home 3 Gig becomes Home 5 Gig ($100/month): Two more gigs of symmetrical speed plus the GFiber Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 7 Router with our best Wi-Fi ever.
Edge 8 Gig ($150/month): Multi-gig gets supercharged with the new GFiber Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 7 Router.

Additionally, the debut of these Home 5 Gig and Edge 8 Gig products come with the new GFiber Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 7 Router included so you can take advantage of the smartest traffic handling, best security, and multi-gig speeds even over wireless throughout your home. This isn’t an add-on; it’s GFiber’s new standard with a 10 Gig port plus three additional multi-gig ports, it’s built to handle more devices simultaneously — imagine wired speed and quality without the wires.

Building a network for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities

This next giant step forward is powered by our deployment of advanced 25 Gig PON technology. We’re building our networks in all our cities to be truly future-proof, which allows us to increase speeds for years to come via simple software updates rather than additional construction which can take a long time and be disruptive to residents. This effort, starting here in Des Moines, is the true proving grounds for what a next gen network can do, demonstrating what is possible and empowering our customers to do whatever they need to do online and anything else their imaginations bring to life.

And it is a challenge for our industry. We can’t rest on our laurels. The internet and its bandwidth demands are growing everyday. Adding value with a product that serves every corner of the home, redefining the customer experience while keeping prices steady, and doing the right thing for customers is the future of internet service. And our job at GFiber is to make sure we’re not just ready for that future, but helping chart that course.

Bringing the future to every neighborhood

Des Moines is a major first step in showcasing what our network is capable of, setting a new industry standard, and being future-ready to upgrade customers with no or minimal work on their part. It’s a big endeavor, and we’ll be learning from this process as we take multi-gig mainstream and upgrade our Des Moines customers. If you are in Des Moines, join us tonight at Flix Brewhouse to learn more (and see Disney’s Up on us!). We’re kicking off the new age of internet in Des Moines, and we’re excited to keep building what’s next for everyone.

Posted by Melani Griffith, Chief Growth Officer

Happy Holidays, Wake Forest! GFiber is building big in North Carolina.

2025-12-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

2025 has been a big year for us in North Carolina, and we’re closing the year out with a bang. GFiber is coming to Wake Forest! The town has approved an agreement paving the way for construction, and we can’t wait to get residents connected to America’s most celebrated internet.

This announcement comes on the heels of launching service in Holly Springs over the summer. Response has been amazing, and we expect to complete our construction in Holly Springs next year. We’ve loved being part of this community so far and we’re continuing to invest here, in Wake Forest and surrounding communities.

Construction in Wake Forest will start in the spring, and we expect to begin to offer service to residents there in the second half of 2026. For more on our progress in Wake Forest and other cities in the Triangle and for the latest on availability in your neighborhood, sign up for updates here, and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Posted by Jess George, Head of Government & Community Affairs, East Region

20 Gig: How our 25G PON investment shatters the limits of today's internet

2025-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

When we launched our 20 Gig early access program, we set an audacious goal to break the 10 Gig barrier that limits existing broadband architectures. Today, we’re announcing a significant milestone in that journey: our latest 20 Gig installation of our new hardware, and a giant leap forward in delivering the network that leaves the status quo behind.

Bringing 20 Gig to life

This is about more than just rolling out our new GFiber 20 Gig ONT device. It highlights the tangible results of our strategic, long-term investment in 25G PON technology. As of now, due to this approach, ~90% of the homes and businesses in our network footprint are already 20 Gig capable. The deployment of this new, next-generation ONT is the key to unlocking that capacity for the home and enabling us to serve customers more broadly than ever before. It also means upgrading the experience for those already on the journey with us; we have several 20 Gig early access customers today, and we will be automatically upgrading them to this new hardware. As we ramp up operations for this new ONT, we expect to move 20 Gig out of our early access program and into a generally available product next year. That’s a really big deal!

Results of a real-world speed test performed on November 16, 2025, by a GFiber 20 Gig customer using the new GFiber 20 Gig ONT. Achieving symmetrical speeds of 19.9 Gbps download and 19.6 Gbps upload, the result—typical sample from multiple tests—validates GFiber’s strategic investment in a 25 Gig network foundation needed for future-proofing both residential power users and advanced commercial applications.

Beyond the 10 Gig Limit: A single, future-proof foundation for every user

This investment delivers truly future-proof speed and capacity, densifying our network without laying down new lines and driving down latency to support the coming tidal wave of multimodal AI growth, immersive video experiences, cloud computing, and more. This capability surpasses traditional XGS solutions (current 10 Gig PON technology) and any DOCSIS (cable internet) network.

What it means for customers

This level of performance is a dream come true for residential power users like Nathan, the newest GFiber 20 Gig customer (Nathan works for GFiber's parent company, Google), whose recent speed test is pictured above. But critically, this foundational leap also turbocharges our commercial product offering. Whether it’s supporting complex institutional research—like that led by Dean Kevin Truman at UMKC—or the next wave of enterprise innovation, our network is ready for whatever businesses and developers build next.

Check out the video below to hear more from GFiber 20 Gig customers about what the leap to 20 Gig means in the real world right now and what it could mean for the internet for years to come.

Posted by Liz Hsu, Senior Director, Product & Billing

Giving Tuesday - one of our favorite days of the year!

2025-12-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

At GFiber, our mission goes beyond delivering fast, reliable internet. This Giving Tuesday, GFiber is celebrating our local partners and the impactful work we’re doing together to close the digital divide. The digital divide is more than just a lack of access to a connection; it's a gap in education, job opportunities, and essential services.

This Giving Tuesday, generosity can go further in key markets thanks to our community matching gift initiatives.

Charlotte, NC: We’re supporting the Charlotte Public Library Foundation who provides free digital literacy training and access to the internet for thousands every year.
Denver, CO: We’re supporting the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Giving Tuesday Campaign. This organization provides scholarships and educational support to students pursuing STEM-related fields.
Des Moines, IA: We’re supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Central Iowa which creates life-changing one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth.
Des Moines, IA: We’re also supporting Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa as they inspire young people through STEM-related programs and other experiences.
Durham, NC: We’re supporting Code the Dream who offers free and intensive training in software development to people facing career barriers.
Orange County United Way
Kansas City: We’re supporting a campaign with Reconciliation Services to help Kansas Citians obtain a valid photo ID necessary for accessing shelter, getting a job, receiving medical care, opening a bank account or applying for crucial benefits.
Omaha, NE: We’re supporting the Latino Center of the Midlands and their efforts to cultivate an engaged community through educational support, workforce development and leadership opportunities.
Orange County, CA: We’re supporting the mission of the Orange County United Way, addressing “the most challenging human needs through collaboration, advocacy and strategic programming.”
Salt Lake City, UT: We’re supporting Tech-Moms' Giving Tuesday Campaign with a matching donation. Tech-Moms provides digital literacy training to women in the Salt Lake metro area.

This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, we invite you to celebrate the power of community and connection, and join us in building a brighter tomorrow.

Posted by Jess George, Head of Digital Equity & Community Impact

How GFiber is transforming cricket in Morrisville

2025-11-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Our small business blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we're featuring Jana Chellaperumal, owner of the Morrisville Raptors cricket team in North Carolina's Research Triangle region and former president of the Triangle Cricket League. Jana shares how GFiber's high-speed reliable internet supports the game of cricket.

When the Triangle Cricket League partnered with the Town of Morrisville in 2010 to grow the game in the region, the Town had the vision to expand how we serve our community that plays cricket. TCL had been a vital partner for growth and connecting the Town with opportunities to continue the vision. But we needed infrastructure that could connect our players, our fans, and our community on a global scale. Five years ago, when GFiber came to Church Street Park in Morrisville, it became the missing piece that transformed cricket in our region from a local interest into a robust international offering, seen from the Research Triangle to Bangladesh, India, and beyond.

I'm one of the owners and manager of the Morrisville Raptors of Minor League Cricket, and our home matches are played at Church Street Park in Morrisville. We have teams traveling from as far as New Jersey, Baltimore and Orlando to compete here. The Town hosts Major League Cricket matches that draw crowds from around the world. The enthusiasm translates to the success of the Triangle Cricket League. I'm proud that we've developed a program — more than 3,000 members strong — where young players can train alongside international professionals and set their sights on reaching the highest levels of the game.

Photo Credit: Minor League Cricket

And what makes it even more special is the high-speed fiber-optic internet infrastructure.

The streaming capabilities that GFiber provides changed everything for us. Today, thanks to outlets like the Minor League Cricket YouTube channel and Willow TV, matches reach viewers from around the world, from India to communities throughout North America. In the past three years alone, we've streamed more than 150 cricket matches, attracting 35,000 fans at our parks in Morrisville and nearly a quarter million online enthusiasts. When we hosted the recent MiLC playoff series featuring one of the world's top 10 cricket players, thousands watched live on YouTube. They weren't just passive viewers. They were engaged, commenting and celebrating throughout the games, and feeling connected from thousands of miles away.

This connectivity isn't just about entertainment. It's about opportunity. International talent now chooses to come play in Morrisville precisely because they know their families, their fans, and potential sponsors can watch them perform. Young players in our academy are motivated to push harder and dream bigger.

Parents watching from abroad can see their children's progress in real time. The broadcast transforms Church Street Park from a local field into a legitimate stage for professional cricket.

A True Partnership

Morrisville’s Town leadership understood early that a thriving community celebrates the interests and cultures of all its residents. Morrisville embraced cricket. Bryan Rhea, Athletics Program Manager for the Town of Morrisville, reflects on the journey: "About 16 years ago, there was a collaborative effort between the town and the Triangle Cricket League to provide space for local cricket clubs at Shiloh Park. Things evolved remarkably quickly from those humble beginnings into what you now see at Church Street Park, matches streamed to viewers across multiple countries around the world."

Photo Credit: Keenan Hairston

Without the Town's help, I don't think we could do what we're doing today. The collaboration between our organizations and the Town has been remarkable, from securing the initial space at Church Street Park to supporting multiple facility upgrades to recognizing the economic and cultural benefits cricket brings.

This commitment extends beyond cricket. When we needed reliable, high-speed internet to handle professional-grade streaming with multiple camera feeds and live reviews, GFiber delivered. But that same fiber also provides free wireless access for all park visitors, benefiting the entire community. It's infrastructure that serves everyone, from families enjoying a picnic, to kids playing soccer, and yes, passionate cricket players and fans.

The economic impact has been significant. "When Major League Cricket comes in, we see a huge uptick in fans," says Brandon Zuidema, Town Manager. "A lot of those are from out of town, and so they will come and stay in Wake County hotels and motels, and then they will also have their food and do some shopping here, so that's a really good opportunity for the community."

These dollars flow through the Wake County hospitality sector and are reinvested into our community, supporting continued improvements to our facilities and programs.

As we look to the future, we're excited about possibilities to expand streaming to additional facilities as they come online. But whatever comes next, it will be built on the foundation that GFiber helped create, a true fusion of technology and community that makes Morrisville a premier cricket destination.

To the Town of Morrisville, to GFiber, and to every person who believes in the power of sport to unite communities, thank you. Together, we're proving that with the right infrastructure and the right vision, a small town can become a global stage.

Posted by Jana Chellaperumal, Owner, Morrisville Raptors

A Simpler, Smarter Future: Our Integration with GFiber

2025-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever tried to build a “smart community,” you know how complicated it can get. One

vendor for locks. Another for smart devices. Another for internet. Multiple contracts, massive

upfront costs, and when something breaks, the finger-pointing begins.

At Quext, we’ve always believed there had to be a simpler way. And a big part of that simplicity comes from working with great partners who share our vision. That’s why I’m excited to share that we’ve integrated with GFiber to launch Quext Smart Communities powered by GFiber, a unified platform that brings Access Control, IoT, and Managed Internet together and eliminates the fragmentation multifamily and proptech have dealt with for years.

No more juggling systems. No more “Who do I call?” headaches. Just one integration, one

platform, one seamless experience. As our Chief Strategy Officer, Blake Miller, said: “When

technology fades into the background and just works, that’s when it’s truly powerful.” And that’s exactly what we’ve built with GFiber. A platform that makes connectivity effortless for residents and property teams alike.

Smart communities shouldn’t be stitched together from disconnected apps and vendors. They should just work. GFiber delivers a future-proof solution with multi-gig speeds and Wi-Fi 7. Quext provides the smart community platform that runs on top of it. Together, we’re replacing a patchwork of tools with a streamlined solution that’s reliable, affordable, and future-ready.

For owners and operators, this integration is about more than convenience; it’s about unlocking new value. Instead of heavy upfront hardware costs, everything is bundled into one predictable monthly price.

Even better, owners can generate new net operating income (NOI) through bulk pricing and optional technology revenues directly in the Quext dashboard. And because we’re the only platform with direct integrations into RealPage, Yardi, and Entrata, move-ins and move-outs happen automatically. That means less manual work, fewer systems to learn, and a smoother experience for everyone.

For residents, we’re delivering what the industry has been asking for: a true “one-app” experience. App fatigue is real, and having to download multiple apps just to live in an apartment is no longer acceptable. With Quext, when residents walk in the door, their internet works from day one- and from there, one app controls everything: door access, thermostats, Wi-Fi plans, and guest permissions. No technician visits, no juggling multiple passwords, and no app overload.

Property teams are already stretched thin, and our platform automates the routine work so they can focus on what matters most. When a lease starts, the system automatically sends access credentials and internet setup. When a resident moves out, the unit resets on its own. One dashboard. One support team. Total peace of mind. This integration with GFiber isn’t just a new product; it’s a new operating model for our industry.

We’re solving the biggest pain points owners face while creating a modern living experience residents actually love. Reliable fiber internet, powerful device automation, and seamless access control, all delivered through one trusted platform.

At Quext, our mission has always been to make technology serve people. With GFiber, we’re doing exactly that: making smart communities simple, scalable, and sustainable for the future.

If you’re ready to see what the next generation of smart living looks like, we’d love to show you what’s possible.

Posted by Dave Marcinkowski, CEO, Quext

More than speed: Building a network for all of life's biggest moments

2025-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Game Day Difference

Game day. For millions of people, it's about the excitement, the big plays, and the drama unfolding on the field (or for most of us, on the screen). For our teams at GFiber, it's a real-world test of everything we've built. The traffic from major live events, like the September 5 NFL game in São Paulo, isn't like a normal day's usage. We anticipated this sudden surge and were ready.

YouTube Official Blog: A record-breaking debut for the NFL on YouTube

This is where the GFiber difference comes in. We’re not just building for peak speed tests. We’re building a network that can handle the unpredictable, high-stakes moments that matter most to our customers. And we're doing it with some smart, behind-the-scenes engineering.
Engineering Deep Dive: Our "Secret Sauce" for Live Events

In the world of networking, big live-streamed events are a unique challenge. Many companies use their backbone network—the internet's "highways"—to deliver that content to customers. But we've taken a different approach. We are the first to host Google's live-optimized caching servers, which act like local content hubs right on our network.
During the São Paulo game, this approach proved its worth. At the traffic peak, our combined caches delivered over 750 Gbps of content, which accounted for more than 54% of the total. This massive cache delivery ensured our customers’ experience was seamless and reliable by keeping traffic local. Specifically, the new live-optimized node we deployed in Kansas City alone served over 280 Gbps. More recently, the total traffic served by Google's ecosystem (including platforms like YouTube and YouTube TV) hit a higher peak on September 30, with 1.67 Tbps of data served. Again, we were ready to meet the demand. Over 1 Tbps, or 62% of the traffic, was served by our cache servers. That’s a testament to the hard work of our engineering team.
But this story isn't just about handling a couple weeks of surging data; it's about our long-term strategy.
The Data Check: What This Means for Your Experience

While peak speeds get the headlines, a network’s true quality is measured by its consistency and reliability. A network that delivers a smooth, buffer-free stream during the most intense moments is a network you can trust.
This is why we closely monitor data from third-party validators like Ookla. Our commitment to symmetrical fiber is evident in their speedtest data: nationally, our customers experience 684% faster uploads than the US average. Moreover, our latency is 41% better than the US average, giving you a more responsive, lag-free experience for everything from competitive gaming to video calls. That’s the result of our behind-the-scenes work on caching and network management. We’re obsessed with these metrics because they tell the real story of our network's performance.
Looking Ahead

Our work to provide a best-in-class network is never truly finished. We are not just building for tomorrow; we’re delivering it today. Virtually all GFiber customers currently have access to multi-gig speeds and roughly 90% of homes in our network are enabled for speeds up to 20 Gig. We are always looking ahead, paving the way for 50 Gig fiber connections and incorporating new technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and network slicing to ensure multi-gig speeds are delivered seamlessly whether you are gaming or streaming video. Watch this space, because we plan to share more insight into how these advancements are shaping the network of the future at GFiber.
Posted by John Keib, Chief Technology and Product Officer

Powering up lives through technology at Association House

2025-11-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Our blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we're featuring the Association House of Chicago, where GFiber's support makes free technology programs like AI Essentials and Microsoft Office Certification available to all. Learn how accessible tech training is helping people like Martina, Palak, and Alex reclaim their confidence, re-enter the workforce, and reimagine their futures.

When Martina found herself at home recovering from cancer, unemployed and uncertain about the future, she needed more than a distraction—she needed a way to reclaim control. That’s when she discovered Association House of Chicago’s technology programs, made possible through the generous support of GFiber.

“I was just trying to find other things to do and keep myself busy,” she recalls. Enrolling in AI Essentials gave her both structure and purpose. “Once I started to do it on my own, I was in control of my own time, and how fast I wanted to do things.”

After quickly receiving her AI certification, Martina went on to earn her Excel Associate certification, pursue project management training, and prepare to step back into the workforce with renewed confidence.

Martina’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when opportunity meets access. For Palak, a new mother looking to return to her tech career, the same courses provided a bridge back into opportunity. “I wanted to brush up my skills after my baby was born, and these classes gave me the confidence to step back into the tech field,” she says.

From Digital Skills for Life to AI Essentials and Microsoft Office certification, Palak sharpened her technical abilities while reclaiming her professional confidence. “The Intermediate Excel class made the biggest difference for me—I recommend it to everyone who wants to learn data skills. The teaching and support here are amazing,” she adds, highlighting instructors like Casey Moulton, who guided her every step of the way.

For Alex, technology training was about more than career advancement—it was a tool to help others. After years of working as a teacher, and noticing that parents often needed support too, he was inspired to enroll in Association House's Financial Careers Training course, which connected him with AI Essentials.

“These classes felt like an opportunity to help people in ways I hadn't considered before,” he explains. "Puzzling through complicated financial decisions can be a lot, and with the AI skills I learned here, I can help people consider all their options and increase their financial literacy."

His advice to new learners captures the spirit of Association House: “You have to have the mindset that you are going to succeed… and it’s perfectly alright to open yourself up to things you didn't know before."

The journeys of Martina, Palak, and Alex illustrate the transformative power of accessible technology education: confidence restored, opportunities expanded, and futures reimagined.

Thanks to GFiber’s unwavering support, programs like Digital Skills for Life, Senior Planet, Microsoft Office Certification, and AI Essentials remain free to all, ensuring that every learner—no matter their circumstance—can step boldly into their digital future.

Posted by Nick Malone, Marketing Coordinator, Association House

Powering Play in Kansas City

2025-11-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

This installment of our Connected by GFiber series features Little Explorers, a children’s play cafe in Kansas City, MO. GFiber’s reliable internet helps provide a connected gathering space for families to explore and unwind.

In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Little Explorers is more than just a children’s play cafe; it’s a community hub. For us, reliable internet isn't a luxury—it's the backbone of our mission to create a truly accessible gathering space for families.

The idea for Little Explorers was born out of personal need. Whenever I wanted to take my daughter to do anything fun, we’d have to drive 30 minutes out. I wanted to create something for our kids to do that is on the bus line, is accessible for people that don’t have cars, and is minutes from everything in Kansas City.

Little Explorers is designed to cater to the diverse needs of modern families. Kids explore a stocked playroom and a safe, engaging environment, while parents grab a coffee or a snack and take advantage of the workspace — and great Wi-Fi. Many parents work remotely at the cafe while their children play nearby.

One of the most special parts of our space is Open Play, a time where little ones can freely explore, imagine, and create. Our dramatic play areas let children step into different roles, build stories, and connect with others through play, while our sensory zones give them the chance to discover and grow at their own pace.

In addition to daily play, Little Explorers also hosts parties and special events, like the upcoming Arts and Crafts hour on November 20th.

All of this activity requires reliable, high-speed internet, like Little Explorers’ GFiber.

Before signing up for GFiber, we were unable to run daily operations smoothly. We couldn’t even get a reliable phone signal, missing crucial voicemails and emails and struggling to operate point-of-sale systems. This unreliable connection hindered what Little Explorers could offer its guests.

Connecting to GFiber was a game-changer, transforming our offerings and providing the stability and speed necessary to power all their services.

GFiber’s reliable connection not only allows Little Explorers to run daily operations smoothly, but also enhances the overall experience for families.

The vision doesn’t stop here. In the future, Little Explorers hopes to expand and offer more resources for children and families in the community. STEM programs, free groceries, and a mobile clinic are on the list of possibilities for the playroom, and we even hope to kickstart a community garden. With a reliable foundation in place, Little Explorers is well-positioned to continue growing and serving its community in impactful ways.

Posted by Shavonne Mann, Owner, Little Explorers Playroom.

SECOR Cares takes aim at suburban poverty in Colorado

2025-10-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

For the past 20 years, in one of the wealthiest communities in Colorado, SECOR Cares has been addressing a unique and often overlooked need: suburban poverty. When you think of poverty, you might picture urban metro centers with tent cities or rural homes lacking modern amenities like clean water and electricity. But the fastest-growing segment of poverty is the one you wouldn't expect. Poverty in the suburbs is growing at three times the rate of urban poverty, but remains nearly invisible.

Suburban poverty looks like a single mom juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet; a family of four who lost their sole income just before the holidays; a senior couple who thought they had saved enough for retirement but now find themselves barely scraping by. Many of these people don’t qualify for traditional support services because their income is just above the federal poverty line, yet not enough to sustain themselves. They may be your kids’ teacher, your next-door neighbor, the person working on your car or a nurse at your local hospital; perhaps even you. Unfortunately, the sense of shame people feel often prevent them from sharing their struggles, keeping suburban poverty under the radar.

SECOR aims to eliminate this stigma by providing a safe space filled with hope as people work to rebuild their lives. At first glance, you might think that SECOR is just another food pantry, but you'll quickly see how it is different. Every inch of SECOR’s Free Food Market is designed with dignity in mind.

Our goal is to go beyond meeting the most basic needs and offering items that help our guests regain a sense of normalcy, and in a way, feel more like themselves again. The market is set up like a grocery store, so guests get to ‘shop’ for themselves, deciding which items their children will eat, planning out meals, and accommodating dietary needs. In addition to the traditional pantry staples, SECOR offers meat, fresh produce, and even flowers.

We’ve intentionally cultivated an environment where everyone who walks through our doors feels genuinely welcomed—treated not just as a visitor, but as an honored guest. That’s why we’ve chosen this term over the more traditional “client.”

Dignity also guides our approach beyond the flagship Free Food Market. SECOR has a board of guests who serve in an advisory role to provide feedback and brainstorm new initiatives. We're constantly looking for new ways to make our guest experience even better and for this reason, it is crucial to center the voices of our guests in everything we do. One of the new initiatives SECOR has started, inspired by guest feedback, is a digital literacy class.

With the exciting new sponsorship from GFiber, SECOR will be able to offer a 6-week digital literacy course designed to teach guests—some of whom may have never used a laptop—the essential skills needed to navigate a computer. At the end of the course, they get to keep the laptop they’ve been working on. In today’s world, not being able to use technology is more detrimental than ever. Technology is how we access the world—it's how we pay bills, communicate with our social networks, and work toward self-sufficiency. Some guests take this class to get a better job, others to talk with their grandkids across the world, or to be able to help their own children with their homework.

Another guest-inspired idea launching at SECOR is a craft fair. Nearly 30 vendors, all of whom are SECOR guests, will showcase their creativity and talents.

What makes this event truly special is that participants pay no vendor fees to join, and 100% of the profits go directly to the vendors. Unlike many poverty-focused initiatives that highlight scarcity and what people lack, this fair shifts the perspective to celebrate strength, resilience, skill, and creativity. By doing so, it empowers families to grow their income and build toward self-sufficiency.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 12:00 - 4:00 pm MT and 17151 Pine Lane, Parker, CO 80134. If you’re local to the Denver area, we’d welcome any residents to stop by, shop, and support our incredible vendors. If you’re not nearby but want to be part of this work, you can always give or learn more at www.secorcares.com.

Posted by Brie Dilley, Executive Director, SECOR Cares

Why reliable internet is critical for community-focused fitness: a CrossFit owner's journey

2025-10-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Our small business blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we’re featuring Peter Ghali, owner of CrossFit Coordinate in Cary, North Carolina, who shares how GFiber’s high-speed reliable internet solved his connectivity challenges, keeping his community connected and allowing him to truly provide a seamless experience for his members. When I purchased CrossFit Coordinate in 2021, I faced a problem: GFiber wasn't available at our location. I had acquired more than a gym. I'd bought a 24/7 fitness community in Cary, North Carolina, where every door lock, workout display, body composition scan, and playlist depended on reliable connectivity. As a tech-savvy entrepreneur, I knew exactly what I needed: fast and reliable fiber built for the future. But I couldn't get it initially. This is the story of how CrossFit Coordinate evolved, and how GFiber high-speed internet powers everything we do today.

At CrossFit Coordinate, our motto is "where community and fitness intersect." We serve primarily adults in their 30s and 40s, but members range from 12 to 77! These are people who care about their fitness and value being part of something bigger than themselves. We’re not talking about 23-year-old college athletes in peak condition; it’s 45-year-old soccer moms with two kids, professionals hitting 50, and everyone in between.

Our approach is different. We're not in the business of selling memberships. What we're selling is accountability, coaching, and a personalized experience. We provide results through small classes, personal training, nutrition coaching, community activities like ladies' nights, guys' nights, and even a doughnut and beer mile competition! The social aspect is crucial because when your friends are coming to class, it encourages you to show up too. We've built a community of members creating an environment where nobody feels different or out of place.

The Internet Infrastructure Challenge

Here's what you may not have considered about modern fitness facilities: internet connectivity underlies almost everything we do. We offer 24/7 access, which means members can come in whenever they want, but those doors only unlock when our internet-connected system is working. We stream music during every class. Our large computer screen displays workouts that members engage with throughout their sessions.

Our body composition testing machine requires a stable internet connection for results to be immediately shared.

When I acquired CrossFit Coordinate, it was running on DSL service. The reliability was poor, and the cost was high.

Determined to improve our service, I went through considerable effort to get coaxial service installed. The building permissions, the coordination, the setup — it was all a significant undertaking. Initially, I was optimistic. The service cost less than DSL and seemed faster.

But then came the rain.

Every time we had heavy rainfall, our internet connection went down. For a 24/7 gym, this was catastrophic. Picture this: someone wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to work out at 5 a.m., drives to the gym, and discovers they can't get in because the internet is down and the doors won't unlock. They're going to text me, and often I'd have to drive over and manually let them in.

The reliability issues affected our classes too. If coaches couldn't display the workout on screen because the internet was down, how would class participants know what to do? Without music streaming, people were working out without their motivating music.

When I learned that GFiber was available in our area, I didn't hesitate. The difference has been remarkable! Since installing GFiber, we've had virtually zero connectivity issues. The Wi-Fi reaches every part of our 5,000-square-foot facility, without any extenders or additional equipment. Members can connect their devices to stream their own music on our speakers, kids can use iPads while parents work out, and our business operations run seamlessly.

The reliability supports everything from virtual nutrition coaching sessions (we work with clients as far away as California) to our marketing and sales processes. When prospective members visit, they need internet access to view our programs and complete their purchase process. Our social media presence, member management software, and all our digital tools depend on consistent connectivity.

What we don't need is excessive bandwidth; we typically use 400-500 megabits per second, which is more than sufficient for streaming music, basic browsing, and supporting 3-5 concurrent users during peak times. What we absolutely require is reliability.

GFiber has delivered that reliability at a price point lower than what we were paying our previous provider. In fact, when that competitor calls trying to win us back, I tell them point-blank: if their service were free, I would never switch back.

The Bottom Line for Fitness Businesses

For any small business owner, understand that internet connectivity isn't optional anymore. It's foundational infrastructure. Whether you're running 24/7 access, streaming content, managing customer data, or building community through digital engagement, your internet service must be reliable.

At CrossFit Coordinate, we've proven that with the right community focus and reliable infrastructure, you can build something special. We have more than 100 five-star Google reviews and countless success stories through our combined fitness and nutrition programs.

If you're in the Cary and Apex, NC area and looking for a fitness community that will hold you accountable and deliver results, we'd love to have you visit. And if you're a fellow gym owner struggling with internet reliability, consider making the switch to GFiber. Your members and your business will thank you.

Posted by Peter Ghali, Owner/Coach, Crossfit Coordinate

Ready to discover where community and fitness intersect? Learn more about CrossFit Coordinate and our programs, including remote nutrition coaching available nationwide.

Three-Peat! GFiber is #1 Internet in J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction

2025-10-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

In 2023, 2024, & 2025 Google Fiber was awarded #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Residential Wired Internet Service in the South Region. 3 years in a row!

When we talk about the future of GFiber internet, we often focus on the incredible engineering: the speed, the capacity, and the pure potential of light-speed connectivity. But for me, the real win is simpler: it’s the trust you place in us every day. That’s why I’m so energized to share that, for the third consecutive year, GFiber has been Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Residential Wired Internet Service in the South Region by the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Home Internet Provider Satisfaction Study. This isn't about a trophy; it demonstrates that the sustained focus our team puts on upending the historical status quo for service (from reliable service to ease of doing business) is making a tangible difference in your home and community.

At GFiber, our growth strategy has always been rooted in a core belief: fastest, most reliable service, honest all-in pricing, and transparent communication build lasting trust. This recognition is especially meaningful because the J.D. Power award is literally "The Voice of The Customer." We treat every piece of feedback that contributes to this ranking as clear direction on where we can do even better. When the data tells us we’ve successfully delivered high-quality service and built trust — as it has now for three years running — it recognizes the hard work of our teams (from field, engineering, network operations, product, to customer support and more) and pushes us to maintain, and even improve, that standard across every dimension of your experience. We earned your trust, but keeping it requires constant focus.

To every customer who has taken time to share their experience: Thank you. This three-peat isn’t a finish line, it’s a powerful motivator. Our commitment is to expand our reach while never compromising on the care and service that earned this recognition. Next-gen internet requires constant improvement, and you can only do that with candid, real-world insight. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We are already focused on the next step in leading your GFiber experience to new heights driven by continuing to deepen our understanding of our customers.

Posted by Melani Griffith, Chief Growth Officer

GFiber received the highest score in the South region of the J.D. Power 2023-2025 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Studies, which measures customers’ satisfaction of service with their current internet provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

How GFiber powers small business success at Office Ours

2025-09-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

When reliability meets affordability, small businesses thrive

An unexpected crisis struck Office Ours just three days after opening their Garner location. The co-working provider's internet went down for 36 hours, leaving their new tenants stranded without connectivity.

"Here we are, a day into the outage, and we still can't get anyone from our internet provider to tell us when it'll be fixed," recalls Ryan Rangel, Office Ours founder and president. "We had maybe 10 people who had just moved in and were paying us rent to provide them a good office environment. I called continuously for all 36 hours and for the whole outage no one could tell me when it would come back online."

That moment made it clear: for small business owners, internet connectivity isn't just a service, it's the lifeline that keeps operations running smoothly. That lifeline needed to be stronger than ever to support 150+ businesses – ranging from massage therapists to counselors to IT startups – across four Raleigh-area locations and one in nearby Sanford, North Carolina.

Office Ours tried two different internet service providers before GFiber. Desiring more reliability, Ryan didn't hesitate to make the switch to GFiber once service was available in Raleigh. The switch brought immediate benefits that went far beyond speed to Office Ours’ four Raleigh-area locations.

"Maybe with the exception of the birth of my kids, one of the greatest days of my life was when I called our previous provider and canceled all four accounts to sign up for GFiber," Ryan shares with a laugh.

GFiber was a game-changer from the very start, at installation. GFiber didn't just provide one connection per building; they installed individual ports for each office suite, creating all-new flexibility for tenants.

This infrastructure upgrade opened new possibilities for Office Ours' diverse tenant base. Previously, they lost a promising tech startup that needed robust upload speeds for nightly server backups, something their previous service couldn't handle with its limited 20 megabit per second upload capacity.

"Now, if a customer comes in and says they need two gig connections, I can just go into the GFiber portal and click a button," Ryan explains. "And if they want their own internet connection separate from our managed service, it's a turnkey, five-minute installation. No drilling walls, no all-day project."

This flexibility has become a powerful sales tool. "When I'm doing tours and I mention GFiber, people light up a little bit more," Office Ours vice president for sales and marketing Amy Brewer notes.

Beyond the technical capabilities, GFiber's monitoring and support system has impressed the Office Ours team.

"GFiber tells you you're down before you even notice it yourself," Ryan says. "Sometimes they'll have it fixed before you even notice it went down."

The reliability difference is stark. While their previous provider required monthly service calls across their five locations, Ryan can't remember the last time a GFiber technician needed to visit.

Supporting Small Business Growth

Office Ours serves approximately 90-plus businesses with physical offices and 150 total customers including virtual office clients. The company's growth ambitions are equally impressive. They're planning to start the process of doubling in size in 2026, with GFiber expected to be their first call for any new Wake County locations.

"The way any business scales is you have to have the same service at every location," Ryan explains. "Having GFiber as our constant across Wake County locations gives us that consistency."

What sets GFiber apart in the business market isn't just the technology, Ryan shares. It's the approach. While other fiber providers require long-term contracts, GFiber offers month-to-month service even for multi-location businesses like Office Ours.

"GFiber is the most reasonably priced, and you're the only one that doesn't make us sign contracts," he emphasizes. "We’re set up at four locations and don’t require more than month-to-month service."

The Bottom Line for Small Business
For small business owners considering their connectivity options, Ryan’s advice is simple: "It's really about reliability. The moment we moved to GFiber, all those intermittent connectivity issues disappeared."

Office Ours' story demonstrates how the right internet infrastructure can impact not just day-to-day operations, it also supports long-term growth potential. By providing reliable, scalable connectivity without restrictive contracts, GFiber enables small businesses to focus on what they do best: serving their customers and growing their operations.

Posted by Michael Cole, GFiber Head of Sales, East Region.

10 to Watch 2025: Fueling Community Transformation, One Leader at a Time

2025-09-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

At United Way of the Greater Triangle, we believe in the power of people—especially the visionary leaders who are building the solutions their communities need most. That belief is at the heart of 10 to Watch, a program we launched in 2018 to identify, support, and amplify under-represented nonprofit leaders and the high-impact organizations they lead.

In 2025, we’re proud to welcome the fourth cohort of 10 to Watch: ten dynamic, mission-driven leaders who are driving change family by family, neighborhood by neighborhood, community by community. These leaders aren’t waiting for permission or validation—they're doing the work. What they need is partnership, early-stage investment, access to resources, and an expanded network to help scale their vision. That’s what 10 to Watch provides.

And the results speak for themselves.

Since the program began:

Participating organizations have experienced an average of 243% revenue growth within five years of entering the cohort.
Charitable contributions for these organizations increased by over $763,000 on average.
29 of the 30 alumni are still actively leading or working in the Triangle’s social sector.
The leaders’ platforms have expanded nationally, appearing on CNN, Good Morning America, Forbes, and even on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Take Hope Renovations, for example—a 2021–2022 cohort member. Their dual mission of training underemployed women in the trades and repairing homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities saw a 439% increase in revenue over two years. That’s not just growth—that’s generational impact.

This level of transformation is only possible through powerful partnerships. We’re especially grateful to Google Fiber, a continuous supporter of 10 to Watch from the beginning, and a recent contributor of $40,000 toward our 2025 cohort. Their investment doesn’t just support individual organizations, it helps build a more just, equitable Triangle for all.

We created 10 to Watch because we saw a gap. Under-represented leaders were building incredible organizations but lacked access to traditional philanthropic pipelines. Eight years later, this initiative is not only closing that gap—it’s opening new doors.

At United Way of the Greater Triangle, we see uplifting and galvanizing communities not as a responsibility, but as a necessity. We are proud to walk alongside these leaders and their communities as they chart a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity.

This is more than a program. It’s a movement. And we’re just getting started.

Posted by Crystal WIlson, Chief Outreach Officer, United Way of the Greater Triangle.

AVANCE-Austin Collaborates with GFiber to Meet Families' Basic Needs

2025-08-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

GFiber is proud to support the work of AVANCE-Austin for the past five years, as they work to meet the basic needs of Austin families and go far beyond to help them thrive. Today, Stephanie De Leon, Senior Development and Communications Manager for AVANCE-Austin, shares how the organization provides holistic support, including tech skills and access, to their clients.

For close to 30 years, AVANCE-Austin has served under-resourced families through education classes and wrap-around support. AVANCE’s main programs — The Parent Child-Education Program and AVANCE to College — provide caregivers and their children, up to age four, with parenting and early childhood classes.

Along with providing educational curriculum, AVANCE-Austin assesses the basic needs of these families during monthly home visits. Basic needs support in areas such as food, healthcare, workforce development, childcare, transportation and technology. AVANCE Home Visitors connect families to over 40 community agencies and partner organizations within Travis County to help meet these needs.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, AVANCE-Austin families have reported an increased number of access barriers to education, healthcare and employment opportunities while lacking basic technology and digital skills. In 2020, 98% of families did not have home internet. Instead, they relied on their phones, which had limited data packages, to participate in AVANCE’s virtual programs. While phones are indispensable for staying connected, they fall short for more complex needs. Online classes, job applications, job training, and even the seemingly simple task of typing a resume are far from “phone-friendly.”

In a significant stride toward digital equity efforts, AVANCE-Austin has worked with GFiber, NTEN, Human IT and Digital UpLift to provide essential technology resources to under-resourced Travis County families. This collaboration aims to address the digital divide by offering Chromebooks, internet hotspots and comprehensive digital literacy training, ensuring families have the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

From September 2024 to May 2025, AVANCE-Austin distributed over 350 technology devices, 25 hotspots, upskilled 10 staff members as Digital Navigators, and hosted basic digital literacy workshops to meet community needs.

One recent AVANCE-Austin program graduate shared, “Having quick access to information and the opportunity to learn new software programs was really exciting. I didn't know anything about all the different search engines available, and being able to complete the work online was very beneficial. It was great to have access to email and stay connected throughout the program. For some, it may seem like just an ordinary laptop, but for others, it's a huge accomplishment, as many had never used one before. They didn't know how to operate it, so being able to learn all that was truly a blessing.”

As technology continues to evolve, AVANCE-Austin remains committed to growing partnerships with community-centered businesses like GFiber to create an inclusive digital ecosystem. AVANCE envisions a world where all children and families have equitable access to resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

For more information on AVANCE-Austin's programs and initiatives, visit www.avanceaustin.org.

Posted by Stephanie De Leon, Sr. Development and Communications Manager at AVANCE-Austin