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Comcast’s 1Gbps Google Fiber rival launches in Atlanta, with a big catch

Published Mar 15th, 2016 7:15PM EDT
Google Fiber Vs Comcast Atlanta
Image: Tech Times

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With Google Fiber headed to Atlanta this year, Comcast realizes that it has to step up its game. And now it’s beat Google Fiber to the punch by announcing its own 1Gbps Internet service that is now live in certain trial markets in Atlanta.

This being Comcast, however, there are some inevitable catches.

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As DSLReports notes, you will be subject to data caps on this new service unless you sign a three-year service agreement with the company. The upside to signing this three-year contract, in addition to not having to put up with data caps, is that you’ll pay $70 per month for your Internet service. If you don’t sign a contract, you’ll have to pay $140 per month and face the prospect of getting hit with overage fees if you surpass monthly limits.

Comcast is delivering this service through DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which means it doesn’t have to build a new fiber network from scratch as Google Fiber has done. Comcast is rolling out this service in Atlanta and Nashville in the first half of this year and plans to bring it to Chicago, Detroit and Miami in the second half of 2016.

If you’re an Atlanta resident who’s interesting in seeing whether your neighborhood will be covered by this new service, check out Comcast’s Xfinity Gig page at this link.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.