Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
What is multi-gig internet?
Multi-gigabit internet is a broadband plan of 2,000 megabits per second (2 gigabits) or higher. Most multi-gigabit plans come from a fiber-optic internet connection, but some cable internet providers, like Xfinity, offer up to 2 gigs. However, Xfinity's 10Gbps plan isn't cable internet but a fiber connection.
How can I get multi-gig internet?
In most cases, especially if you already have fiber internet service, you won't have to do anything beyond contacting your provider to upgrade to a multi-gig internet plan. There may be an installation fee (often waived if you order online), but usually, any additional equipment you need (a modem/router capable of multi-gig speeds) will be included.
However, to take advantage of Xfinity's Gigabit Pro plan, you'll need to reach out to Xfinity and schedule a site survey. Even if you're a current Xfinity customer or know you're in an Xfinity serviceable area, Comcast will still need to inspect to see if your home is within the minimum distance from a fiber node. If everything checks out, it may take several weeks before your household can get Gigabit Pro fully installed.
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What does multi-gigabit internet cost?
Generally speaking, the best multi-gig internet plans are relatively affordable if you have a fiber internet connection. Not only does fiber typically provide the best performance, featuring symmetrical or near-equal download and upload speeds, but it also presents the cheapest options. For example, Google Fiber's 2Gbps plan, which includes all equipment costs and fees in its monthly rate, checks in at 5 cents per Mbps as does AT&T's 5Gbps tier. Ziply Fiber's 10Gbps plan, which rings in at $300 per month, is 3 cents per Mbps, and its 5Gbps tier is just over 2 cents per Mbps, the highest value we've seen. None of those requires a contract.
Conversely, Xfinity's Gigabit Pro is one of the priciest broadband packages. It costs $300 per month, and you can get it only if you sign up for a two-year contract. The cost per Mbps, at 3 cents, is good, but there's a $25-a-month rental charge for equipment. There's also a pretty hefty additional expenditure right out of the gate: Households face an activation fee of up to $500 and an additional installation fee of another $500. That's $1,000 before you even get to the regular monthly charges.
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Is 2-gig internet worth it?
Perhaps. Even if you go with the most expensive plan, the monthly cost per Mbps of multi-gigabit internet is quite competitive. Plus, these plans' near-symmetrical upload and download speeds certainly give your household plenty of opportunities to utilize many connected devices now and in the future.
However, most households right now don't need all that speed. If you go one step down and opt for a provider's gigabit plan, for example, you can get plenty of speed for anywhere between 5 and 10 cents per Mbps and often, your modem/router equipment fee is included too. It may not be as flashy as having 2-gig internet or the fastest residential plan currently available, but it'll get you some splashy speeds at a more affordable price.
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Source: cnet.com