The recent tests conducted by Google and Nokia on the Google Fiber network in Kansas have demonstrated the potential of a fiber optic internet connection with speeds of up to 50 Gbps. Researchers from Nokia and Google Fiber Labs achieved impressive download speeds of 41.89 Gbps on the live Google Fiber network using Nokia’s PON 50G passive optical network technology. This successful demonstration proves that Nokia’s 50 Gbps PON technology can function effectively alongside existing fiber infrastructure, opening up the possibility of ultra-fast internet without the need for extensive network overhauls.
Despite this significant progress, it will still take some time before customers can enjoy 50 Gbps speeds through Google Fiber. The company is rolling out 20 Gbps fiber plans in select regions through a special program, to expand availability across all existing markets by the end of 2024. However, the deployment of 20 Gbps plans may not be immediate in all areas.
Although the 50G PON technology marks a major advancement, there are still opportunities for improvement. One important consideration is the disparity in upload and download speeds. For example, while the test achieved download speeds of 41.89 Gbps, it only reached 19.6 Gbps for uploads. This highlights the need for further refinement to achieve more balanced speeds.