Verizon this week announced its fastest-ever FiOS service, but it may only go to show American consumers what a great deal Google Fiber is for those with access to it. The new FiOS Quantum service offers subscribers a very impressive 500Mbps connection that will also cost them a minimum of $310 per month, since Verizon mandates that users bundle television and Internet services. Comparable Google Fiber service, meanwhile, delivers a 1Gbps connection and television services for just $120 per month. What’s more, Google also has a standalone Internet option that goes for just $70 a month. So while Verizon deserves credit for ramping up its FiOS speeds to reach 500Mbps in select markets, it is somewhat discouraging that the service will only be affordable for customers who have a lot of cash to burn.

Prior to joining BGR as News Editor, Brad Reed spent five years covering the wireless industry for Network World. His first smartphone was a BlackBerry but he has since become a loyal Android user.