Google Fiber has been awarded the “Best of the Best” award for overall internet service provider (ISP) by CableTV.com for the second consecutive year, according to a report released Wednesday. The recognition comes as consumers increasingly rely on home internet for a range of activities, from video conferencing to streaming entertainment.
The report highlighted Google Fiber’s fast speeds, reaching up to 8 Gbps, and its consistent reliability, with 81% of CableTV.com survey respondents reporting satisfaction with the service’s reliability. An equally impressive 84% were extremely satisfied with the speeds they received, tying for the highest ranking in the survey.
Google Fiber distinguishes itself by avoiding annual price increases and offering a free modem/router, along with free Google Drive storage. The company has not raised prices on its 1 Gbps plan since 2021, a practice lauded by the report’s authors.
Despite its strengths, Google Fiber’s availability remains limited, currently reaching approximately 40 U.S. Cities. The company faces growing competition from expanding providers like T-Mobile and Verizon, according to the report.
AT&T Fiber was recognized as the “Editor’s Choice” for internet service, praised for its reliably fast speeds and high customer satisfaction. The report noted that AT&T Fiber avoids practices like price increases after an initial period, restrictive contracts, and early termination fees. 83% of respondents approved of AT&T Fiber’s internet speed and reliability.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet earned the “Bang for Your Buck” designation, offering plans starting at $50 per month, which can be reduced to $35 monthly when bundled with a T-Mobile phone plan. The report emphasized T-Mobile’s flat-rate pricing and lack of annual price increases. However, the report cautioned that T-Mobile’s speeds and reliability may be less consistent than cable or fiber options.
Xfinity was named “Best of the Best for Cable,” achieving high marks in customer satisfaction with 76% of surveyed customers satisfied with internet speeds, 78% with reliability, and 75% with overall service. Xfinity’s five-year price guarantee was also highlighted as a significant benefit.
Ziply Fiber received the “Best of the Best for Reliability” award, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, with 86% approval for installation ease, 87% for overall satisfaction, and 83% for customer support. However, Ziply Fiber’s availability is limited to parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Other providers mentioned in the report include Verizon and Starlink. Verizon received recognition for its 5G and fiber internet performance, while Starlink was praised for its customer satisfaction and performance in rural areas, despite higher pricing compared to cable or 5G internet.
The report emphasized the importance of considering factors beyond price when choosing an internet provider, including reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. It noted that many providers now offer bundled services, such as TV and mobile phone plans, and that free equipment options can save consumers money.
