Connect blog-icon
rss_feed mail

The GFiber blog is your home for GFiber news and updates

In Huntsville, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology impacts over 400 learners in their summer STEM learning program. GFiber is proud to support local organizations that encourage the exploration and pursuit of careers in STEM and are helping their communities meet the challenges of tomorrow. VP of Educational Outreach, Kelly East, shares more about how this program builds enthusiasm and inspires.
Thumbnail

For a lot of us, summer brings to mind beach days, road trips, and a break from the usual routine. But at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, summer takes on a whole different energy. It’s a season of discovery, connection, and inspiration as we host hundreds of students and teachers on campus for learning opportunities. This is what we proudly call our Summer of STEM. GFiber, as our Presenting Sponsor, helps us make it all happen.

As Vice President of Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha, I get a front-row seat to the excitement that unfolds on our campus every summer. Students light up as they extract DNA for the first time. Interns build confidence as they contribute to real-world research. Teachers discover new teaching methods that will impact thousands of students back home. This season reminds me why we do what we do, and why it matters so deeply.

What is the Summer of STEM?
Summer of STEM is HudsonAlpha’s flagship series of summer education programs designed to inspire curiosity and expand access to science. From middle schoolers just beginning to see themselves as scientists, to undergrads stepping into professional research environments, to educators growing their practice, the Summer of STEM offers something for every stage of a person’s STEM journey.
This summer, we’ve reached 332 students and 113 educators from 23 Alabama counties and 8 states across the U.S. Each person we welcome is a future innovator, researcher, or teacher who will shape the future of science and technology in our country.

Camps that spark curiosity
Our middle school summer camps and high school summer programs are where young scientists get a taste of what it feels like to do science. In our state-of-the-art teaching labs, students dive into hands-on experiments like DNA extractions, building bio-indicators, and even trying their hand at CRISPR gene editing.



We hosted nearly 200 campers this summer, and I’m always amazed at how excited and energetic our young learners are. These experiences are fun, but they also build confidence and encourage students to picture themselves working in science in college and beyond. Many middle school students find their time at HudsonAlpha so engaging that they often enroll in our high school summer camps, building on their STEM skills and confidence. 

Internships that launch careers
For undergraduate or graduate students who already have an idea of where they want their career to go, our BioTrain Internship Program provides real-world experience working alongside professionals in our research labs and business offices. For the last 17 years, our BioTrain program has been more than just a summer job for these students. It’s a launch pad. Interns leave with not only lab and life skills, but also mentors, expanded professional networks, and a clearer sense of where their passions might lead them. Dozens of past interns now work at HudsonAlpha in our research labs and offices, and many more have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, research, education, and science communication.

Professional development that grows classroom impact
Teachers are the backbone of developing the STEM workforce of tomorrow. That’s why our Summer of STEM also includes intensive workshops for middle and high school educators. This year, 113 teachers are participating in professional learning on HudsonAlpha’s campus, digging into the latest in genetics and genomics education.
These teachers return to their schools equipped with new lessons, hands-on materials, and excitement for the school year ahead. Collectively, they’ll impact thousands of students, a ripple effect we’re incredibly proud of.

Powered by Collaborators like GFiber
Summer at HudsonAlpha is busy, but it’s also one of the most meaningful times of the year for me and my team. It’s one of the times when our mission of Educational Outreach comes to life in the most visible way. Watching students discover their love for science or hearing a teacher say, “This is exactly what I needed,” is why we do this every day.

As a nonprofit, our Summer of STEM programs wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. We are deeply grateful to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, GFiber. To us, GFiber’s support means more than just funding. It’s an investment in the next generation of scientists, problem solvers, and leaders.
I’m honored to thank our students, educators, interns, and our Presenting Sponsor, GFiber, for making this summer unforgettable.

Posted By Kelly East, VP for Educational Outreach, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology



Read More

When Mattie Bush started Amelia’s Flower Truck out of a vintage flower truck in 2014, she had no idea it would become one of Nashville’s most well loved small businesses. What started as a single flower truck in 2014 has grown into a beloved local brand with multiple trucks, brick-and-mortar shops, and a loyal community of flower lovers and now the newest addition— a flower-forward cocktail bar called Pont-Neuf.

Thumbnail

Mattie describes her first flower truck as “a way to bring a little joy into people’s everyday routines.” Since then, Amelia’s has become a Nashville go-to for everything from casual messages to full-on event florals.

Now with Pont-Neuf, Mattie, with her husband and business partner Taylor,  is turning that joy into something even bigger — an experience.

“We eloped in Paris and had our rehearsal gathering at the oldest flower shop in the city,” she says. “Pont-Neuf was our way of bringing that feeling of magic and beauty back to Nashville.”

Every arrangement at Pont-Neuf is intentional, and the space hums with soft music, warm lighting, and seasonal bloom decor. “People walk in and say, ‘I didn’t even know I needed this vibe until right now.’ That’s the best compliment,” Mattie laughs.

So what does the internet have to do with flowers? Well, more than you might expect.


“Everything runs on it,” Mattie says. “Our POS system, the music, inventory—it’s all digital. And when we had spotty internet before, it created real stress. Would the payment go through? Would the vibe cut out?”

Now, with GFiber, the stress is gone. “We haven’t had to call support once. That kind of peace of mind is everything when you’re running a business with lots of moving parts.”

For small business owners, we know that "it works" isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why we built our internet to be fast and reliable. Whether you're serving craft cocktails under beautiful florals or running spreadsheets from your kitchen table, we’re here for it.


Nashville has creative, entrepreneurial people who hustle hard to do what they love and they are proud to show it. And we’re here to support that— not just with great internet, but with real community partnerships.


As we continue to grow across Nashville, we’re not just laying fiber—we’re planting seeds for something bigger.

If you’re a small business owner in Nashville, we’ve got you covered with internet that just works—so you can focus on doing what you love. Check out our offerings at https://fiber.google.com/business. 

Posted by: Brooke Shomaker, Sr. Brand Manager



Read More

At GFiber, we’re determined to stay ahead of what’s next, especially when it has the potential to make our customers’ experience better. This year, we rolled out new lifestyle-based internet products to customers across the vast majority of our cities. And last week, we successfully demoed a new capability with Nokia that pushes the boundaries of possibility for the customer experience: network slicing.


So what is network slicing? 

TLDR: it gives us the ability to carve up a customer’s home network into different “lanes,” each optimized for a specific use. 

In our GFiber Labs demo, we used gaming as the test scenario. We ran two gaming consoles next to each other and injected congestion into the network with the lab’s traffic generator. Predictably, things fell apart: lag, stuttering, pixelation.* Then we carved out a dedicated lane (a “slice”) in the network that reserved bandwidth just for  gaming traffic. The result: the driving game demo went from jittery and glitchy to smooth and responsive. 

This was a foundational test. And it worked.

In the long-term, this could truly change how home internet works, especially when it’s driven by the customer. Today’s one-size-fits-all connections treat all traffic the same. But we know not everyone uses the internet the same way: gamers care about latency, remote workers need video stability, home businesses rely on solid uptime and security, and, we can see a future where applications (AI, VR, etc.) may require next-level performance. Network slicing could be how we level up network performance.  

Network slicing opens the door to something new: the ability for customers to tailor their connection to the categories of Internet use that matter most in their home. It’s not about prioritizing traffic behind the scenes, it’s about giving you more control, more flexibility, and more ways to get the performance you need, when you need it. And with GFiber, it will always be in service of giving customers more control, without compromising our commitment to an open, unrestricted internet.

There’s also potential for something called “transactional slices.” These would spin up automatically, just for a few seconds, to keep things like financial logins secure. For example, connecting you directly to a service like your bank without routing traffic across the broader internet. You wouldn’t even notice it happening, but it could add meaningful peace of mind.

Network slicing is the next logical step in how we think about GFiber service — especially our lifestyle products like Core, Home, and Edge, built to meet the needs of customers’ unique internet lifestyles. Those products are designed to better match the way people live and work. Network slicing takes that a step further: adding real-time customization and control at the network level.

While we’re very excited about the possibilities here, there are few things that have to happen before we roll out network slicing across our network. Automation is a key piece of the puzzle. We’ll be diving deeper with Nokia later this year to explore how we can bring some of these ideas to life. This kind of innovation is exactly what GFiber Labs was built for and we’re excited about potentially leveling up the GFiber customer experience — again.

Stay tuned.

Posted by Nick Saporito, Head of Product







*Want to see how GFiber delivers a seamless gaming experience? Check out real-world stories and pro tips in our gaming FAQ.
Read More


Temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up in the desert right now — Google Fiber has a lot going on in the Grand Canyon State. This week, Tempe became the latest city in the East Valley to begin construction of our network. This announcement comes on the heels of announcing construction start in Queen Creek earlier this month, as well as serving our first customers in Chandler & Mesa, and opening our new GFiber office in Mesa in 2024. 

Thumbnail

With construction in Tempe underway, we’ll continue to work closely with the city and county to minimize disruption to residents. Tempe residents and business owners will have a choice of GFiber’s newest lifestyle product offerings, with up to 8 gigs available based on household needs. To stay in the loop of project updates and when service will be available in your neighborhood, sign up for the latest here. 


Councilmember Randy Keating, who has been part of Tempe’s effort to bring Google Fiber to the city since 2017, said “Google Fiber is a perfect match for Tempe, I am proud of the work that’s been accomplished to bring it to our community.”  

“High-speed internet access everywhere in our city ensures equal access to opportunities for everyone,” said Tempe Council Member Berdetta Hodge. “Google Fiber will make it possible for more people to benefit from technology. I can see how it will help everyone from students to our seniors. I’m so glad to have Google Fiber in our community.”

We’re grateful to the city leadership of Tempe, who has worked tirelessly to connect more Tempe residents to quality internet. We’re excited to be a part of that vision. 

That commitment to community and connections is why we support organizations that are focused on helping people get more out of the internet. Working with organizations such as Mesa and Maricopa Community College - College Promise and Mesa IDEA museum annual exhibits (“The Art of Light” last year and “Joyride” this upcoming calendar year) who are making an impact. We also supported Councilwoman Hodge's water drive in Tempe last summer, where 15,000 bottles of water were shared with Tempe residents. As we continue to grow in the Phoenix metro area, our collaborations will expand as well.


Last but definitely not least, our Arizona GFiber team is also growing, find more information on open positions and apply here. 

Posted by Will Novak, Government & Community Affairs Manager






Read More

Google Fiber has always supported a broad range of school programs that foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills. As part of that commitment, we’re proud sponsors of the Westside High School Esports program with a grant that enables students to participate and compete. With the ongoing success of the program, Head Coach Chase Tonkinson and team member Robert Rasgorshek share the impact the program is making and how GFiber has helped make that possible.
 
Thumbnail

In March of 2020, as schools across the country shut down due to the pandemic, our students at Westside High School in Omaha, Neb., were sent home for the remainder of the semester.  
 
Administrators in the school district had previously considered starting an Esports program, and facing the uncertainty of what would happen the following year, leadership knew it was a perfect opportunity to launch the program. “Esports” (or Electronic Sports) is organized, competitive video gaming that operates similarly to other high school sports, with teams from other schools competing against one another. These sports are in an online format, allowing connectivity from basically anywhere.   
 


School officials believed that Esports would allow students to stay engaged in school activities, despite COVID-19 regulations that kept students off campus. The district, Westside Community Schools, put out a call for anyone interested in helping launch and coach the new program, and when I saw the alert, I immediately recognized this unique opportunity to help create a new avenue for students to learn and connect. Within the year, I stepped into the role of Westside High School’s first-ever Esports coach. 
 
After one year of planning, our WHS team began competing in the fall of 2021. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but we were blown away by the amount of student interest we received. Within 24 hours, we had more than 50 students responding to our interest form, and by the time we closed the registration period two weeks later, more than 70 students had responded. This was far more than we anticipated and more than our newly-opened Esports lab could accommodate. This high turnout translated into success. Within our first season, WHS won the state championship trophy for all three games we competed in. The following year, we found ourselves taking home both regional and national championship trophies.  
 

The success of our Esports program spans far beyond the tournaments we’ve won.  Our program has brought together students from varying backgrounds, interests and skill levels, including varsity athletes, Special Olympics athletes, as well as students in band, show choir and theater.  


Our teams have also been a home to a number of students who had never before participated in a school activity or sport. The program opened the door and provided a new way to develop teamwork and communication skills, and also to be a part of a tight-knit community on campus. 
 
One of those students is Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek, who found far more than just a pastime through Westside Esports. 
 
“Being a part of Westside High School's Esports team has been one of the biggest highlights of my high school experience,” Bert shared. “Whether I was grouping up to push with my teammates in Overwatch, lining up a clutch shot in Valorant, or going one-on-one in Smash, I realized how valuable new strategies, communication, and staying calm under pressure are. 
 
“My teammates and coaches accepted me for the person I was and encouraged me to grow as a player, a teammate, and a leader. It also gave me something to look forward to after each day at school— something that continues to motivate me to stay focused and improve so I can keep playing. I've become friends with people I might never have met, and formed supportive and long-lasting bonds through our shared love for the game and competition.
 
“Even when we lost together, we learned together, we supported each other, and we came back stronger. This team gave me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging in a time when I didn’t know which extracurricular I wanted to pursue. These lessons and memories are the things that I want to carry with me long after I’ve graduated high school.”


Having a team sponsor like GFiber has been integral in keeping our program going. Computer and video game equipment can be quite costly, and the support from GFiber helps us maintain our equipment and supply students with the latest games. The sponsorship has also enabled us to travel to in-person tournaments where our players meet with college coaches— many of those same players have gone on to earn Esports scholarships to their respective colleges.  
 
I look forward to continued collaboration with GFiber and to the future success this generous support enables our students to experience, both in school and in competition.  

Posted by :
Chase Tonkinson 
Head Coach, Westside High School Esports 
Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek 
Westside High School Esports Team Member 




 
 
 

Read More

Google Fiber is officially available in Fort Mill and Tega Cay, South Carolina! Residents can sign up for the new lifestyle product that best fits their household —and we can’t wait for you to experience what your best internet can do.

Thumbnail

With speeds up to 8 Gigs — whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working from home, gaming online, or all of the above, our fast, dependable lifestyle internet products are available to keep up with your life — GFiber can keep up and then some. As always, all products come with all the equipment you need and no data caps or annual contracts.

Check availability and sign up for service at fiber.google.com. If we’re not at your address just yet, we’ll keep you posted as we continue to expand our network.

A huge thank you for the warm welcome we’ve received in South Carolina. We’re proud to be part of the community and look forward to even stronger connections! 

Posted by Jess George, Head of Government and Community Affairs, East Region



Read More

At GFiber, we’re always looking for ways to make fast, reliable internet even easier to use. That’s why we redesigned the GFiber App — to simplify how customers set up service, manage devices, and keep tabs on their network. The latest version is now live, and customers can download or update the app to get started.
Thumbnail

We’ve updated the user interface for a more intuitive experience that clearly reflects our commitment to simplicity and reliability. We've also introduced several new features, such as: 


greater visibility into home network performance, smarter device management, enhanced troubleshooting, and chat, content and video call support for customers
The app's redesign was shaped by customer feedback from user research and usability studies, which focused on making it easier, more intuitive, and delightful to use.

Redesigned for a smarter experience

We gave the GFiber App a fresh look and feel — one that better reflects our brand and makes everyday tasks simpler. Based on customer feedback, we added new features like video support, enhanced troubleshooting, and more visibility into network performance.

  • Streamlined navigation: A cleaner layout makes it easy to find what you need.
  • Smarter tools: Run speed tests, manage devices, and get help with just a few taps.
  • Helpful insights: Diagnostic tools and support options are more intuitive and actionable.


Bringing key features front and center

The redesigned app also makes it easier to find and access some of the most impactful features introduced over the past year. These tools not only improve internet performance but also provide greater transparency and control.

From sign-up to service



The GFiber App acts as a companion for a smooth setup experience right from day one. For in-home installs, technicians can help set up the app to optimize network performance. For customers who self-install, the app provides step-by-step guidance through every stage of the process — making setup simple and reliable, no matter how they get online.

Technician Tracker

Once the technician is en route, customers can see the location and ETA, making service appointments more predictable.


Network Health 


Customers using supported GFiber routers can now access the Network Health feature, which provides a real-time assessment of speed, coverage, and overall performance. They’ll also get actionable recommendations for optimizing their connection.

TechSee


Live video support gives customers the option to allow our customer support agents see connection issues in real-time and provide troubleshooting help without an in-person visit. 

Speed Test

The app now provides more details about your connection, distinguishing between: 
  • Speed to your home (wired test): Measures the speed from the GFiber network to your router (available on select devices).
  • Speed to your device (wireless test): Measures the speed from your router to your phone.
With these two tests, customers can see not just how fast your GFiber connection is, but also how their Wi-Fi network is performing – helping them optimize for the best experience.

Device Management 

For customers with a GFiber Wi-Fi 6E router — included with all new GFiber lifestyle products  (Core, Home, and Edge)  — the GFiber App provides a clear view of network activity and options to personalize settings, giving them greater control over how they use their internet.
  • See what’s connected: Check which devices are using your internet and view their Wi-Fi signal strength in real-time.
  • Custom naming and grouping: Devices can be organized easily by what’s important to you (like kids’ devices or type of device). 
  • Pause schedules and access controls: Internet access can be scheduled or paused for individual devices or groups of devices as needed.
  • Stronger security: Unknown devices can be easily blocked.
And this is just the beginning! The GFiber App is the center of our approach to make internet management simple and seamless for customers, and we’ll continue investing in ways to improve and evolve that experience.  

Posted by Sanjay Chatterjee, Head of Digital


Read More

At GFiber, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with internet connectivity going back to 2010. So when we had the opportunity to test a promising new technology from Taara – a recent spinout from X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory – we jumped at the chance.

Taara uses wireless optical communication to transmit data through the air, delivering fiber-like speeds without the need for cables. It’s a game-changer for places where traditional fiber installation is challenging like city centers, remote communities, crowded events, and areas affected by network outages.

To see how this technology performs in real-world conditions, we partnered with Taara for a proof-of-concept trial of its laser link, Taara Lightbridge, in San Francisco. Over four weeks, we tested a high-speed wireless link between two buildings, measuring its performance across a variety of weather conditions.

Putting Taara to the Test
The trial ran from November to December 2024, using a 4.5-mile laser link. We monitored everything from throughput and latency to environmental factors like wind and rain, capturing data with a network monitoring system, high-resolution cameras, and weather sensors.

Thumbnail

The results? Taara delivered a rock-solid 20 Gbps connection on clear days with ultra-low latency and zero packet loss – on par with the best wired networks. It also outperformed traditional millimeter and microwave radios in throughput.

Key Takeaways
  • Speed & Stability: Throughout four weeks of testing, Taara provided a seamless high-speed connection on clear days and demonstrated resilience in challenging conditions, proving its ability to move serious amounts of data.
  • Network Flexibility: The system was quick to deploy and dismantle, making it an intriguing option for temporary or hard-to-reach locations.
  • Hybrid Potential: A planned microwave backup will help ensure a resilient connection, even in adverse weather conditions.
Our pilot program provided valuable insights into how this cutting-edge technology performs in an urban environment. As Taara continues refining its approach, we’re excited to see how innovations like this could shape the future of connectivity.

At GFiber, we believe in the power of innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas. Whether it’s delivering fast, reliable service over fiber or exploring new wireless solutions, we’re always looking for ways to bring better internet to more people.

The journey to better, faster internet continues – stick around for more on what’s coming next!

Posted by James Alexander, GFiber Network Engineer




Read More

GFiber’s investment in digital equity goes beyond internet access. Through collaborations with organizations like Latinitas, we are helping to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem where all members of the community can thrive. 

In today’s increasingly connected world, digital literacy has become essential for personal, educational and professional success. Recognizing this, Latinitas, a nonprofit organization that empowers girls in Austin and San Antonio’s Latino communities to innovate through media and technology, has been at the forefront of digital inclusion through its Padres Digitales program. This initiative aims to empower parents with the skills and tools needed to navigate the digital landscape, ensuring they can support their children’s academic and professional aspirations in the digital age.

Thumbnail


The pressing need for digital inclusion 

Digital inclusion remains one of the most pressing issues in education and community development, particularly among underserved populations. For many families, access to technology and reliable internet is limited, creating barriers to resources, educational opportunities and the ability to engage with the growing digital world.

Padres Digitales seeks to eliminate these barriers by offering workshops that teach digital literacy and skills, focusing on everything from basic computer usage to understanding the digital tools necessary for remote learning, job searching and personal finance management.


Digital Literacy for Families

Digital literacy goes beyond learning how to use a computer. It’s about understanding the role of technology in education, how to access online resources and how to communicate effectively through digital platforms.

For parents, being digitally literate means being able to support their children in school, especially with the growing reliance on technology for remote learning and research. Moreover, digital literacy also opens doors to job opportunities, healthcare resources and civic participation, which are often conducted online.

Padres Digitales focuses on helping parents:

  1. Support children's education: Ensuring that children have access to digital tools and resources needed for homework, research and communication with teachers.
  2. Access online resources: Learning to navigate websites for essential services such as health care, financial assistance and legal aid.
  3. Enhance career opportunities: Gaining the skills needed to apply for jobs, update resumes and connect with potential employers through online platforms.
  4. Participate in civic engagement: Being able to vote online or access important government information in real time.
GFiber supports the Padres Digitales program in both Austin and San Antonio.  One parent who participated in the Padres Digitales program shared, “Before, I struggled to help my kids with their homework because I didn’t understand the tools they were using. Now, I feel more confident. I can help them with their studies and also learn how to navigate the internet for my own needs. This program has truly changed our lives.” 

A digital future for all

The collaboration between Latinitas and GFiber exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions to support digital inclusion. Through initiatives like Padres Digitales, more families are not only gaining access to the digital world, but they are also becoming active participants in shaping their own futures.

Posted by Salwa Yordi, Communications Director at Latinitas




Read More

Murfreesboro, we’re live! Google Fiber is officially launching service, beginning with small businesses. The speed with which we’ve been able to launch service in Murfreesboro is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and to the ease of doing business in the city. Murfreesboro city leadership welcomed us and our desire to connect residents and businesses to quality high-speed internet, working closely with us to ensure a smooth and rapid deployment. Now, businesses, and soon residents as well, in Murfreesboro will be able to choose GFiber as their internet provider.

Thumbnail

Murfreesboro small businesses need fast, reliable internet. Whether it’s running a coffee shop like Just love Coffee, where GFiber is hosting an event celebrating the launch of service, or GFiber’s first SMB customer and the Boro’s hometown pharmacy Reeves Sain Drugstore, our 1 and 2 Gig business plans deliver the bandwidth needed to keep up with the not-so-small needs of their businesses. “At Reeves Sain Drug Store, we could not be more excited about the availability of Google Fiber for our health care operation. It is so important for us to have the best upload and download speed as we communicate with other health care providers, insurance companies, and credit card companies. This enables us to fill prescriptions and take care of patients in the best and most timely manner. GFiber allows us to do this, and all at the best price, which makes it even better! Thank you for bringing Google Fiber to 
Murfreesboro”, said Rick Sain who owns  Reeves Sain Drugstore.


Business owners can choose between Business 1 Gig ($100/month), perfect for simple, seamless connectivity, or Business 2 Gig ($250/month), ideal for busy shops or offices with multiple systems and users.


Residential service is also just around the corner in Murfreesboro. Residents will be able to choose the product that fits their household lifestyle best —  Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig and Edge 8 Gig. Whether you want to set it and forget or need internet that pushes the boundary on speed and reach, the right product will make sure your online time is all yours.

If you're interested in signing up and want updates on availability, sign up here for the latest on GFiber in Murfreesboro. 

Thank you, Murfreesboro, for welcoming GFiber. We’re excited to be part of your future, online and IRL!

Posted by Nick Fischer, General Manager, The South Region





Read More