alt Hacker NewsThe real loss here isn't Google Fiber itself, it's the competitive pressure it created. Every city where Google Fiber launched or even announced plans saw incumbent ISPs suddenly "discover" they could offer faster speeds at lower prices. That threat alone was worth more to consumers than the actual service.
PE firms optimize for cash extraction, not market disruption. Expect the new entity to quietly stop expanding, raise prices to match competitors, and eventually become indistinguishable from the cable company it merged with.
As a longtime Google Fiber customer, it’s Google Fiber.
My service has been effectively perfect. My price has barely changed in a long time, though they’ve added faster tiers as options. They let me use my own equipment without any hassle.
They’re not calling me to upgrade to a new plan. They’re not pushing me into their TV service. Or phone service. Or cell phones. Or anything else.
Best ISP I’ve ever had by far. And it’s going to be DESTROYED.
Maybe they didn’t matter much to you outside price pressure, but they mattered a hell of a lot to me.