Des Moines becomes Google Fiber's first multi-gig city

Between the lines: The multi-gig city designation means that Google Fiber customers are automatically moved to faster, multi-gig tiers without extra expense.

Zoom in: Google Fiber customers in Des Moines with 1 Gig plans are being upgraded to 3 Gig, while 3 Gig plans are being upgraded to 5 Gig.

• It means speeds are three to five times faster, allowing multiple users to stream, game, upload large files and work from home simultaneously with fewer slowdowns.

State of play: Google Fiber began construction in Des Moines in 2022, following its launch in West Des Moines as part of a broader push to add high-speed competition to the area, alongside other companies such as MetroNet.

• The fiber network was about 100 times faster than an average broadband connection, the company said when launching 2 Gig services in West Des Moines four years ago.
• It now offers up to 8 Gig service, with plans ranging from $70 to $150 a month.

The big picture: Google Fiber's expansion has accelerated in recent years, now offering service in about two dozen metros, according to Compare Internet, a consumer-focused website.

• Among Midwest cities, it's also available in Chicago, Omaha and Kansas City.

What they're saying: DSM was selected as Google's first multi-gig city because it is one of the company's newer markets, built with cutting-edge technology and already supporting higher upgrades, the company said in a press statement.

What's next: The same speed enhancements will be added to markets across the country in announcements coming soon, per Google Fiber's statement.