Google Fiber has inspired some competitors, such as Gigabit Squared in Seattle and VTel in Vermont. To compete with the new gigabit speeds
offered by ISPs, Verizon has unveiled its new 500 Mbps tier for FiOS. It's half the gigabit speeds that Google Fiber, VTel, and Gigabit are offering, but Verizon's not shy about charging an arm and a leg for the service.
Yup, whereas Google Fiber charges $70/month for its services, Gigabit Squared $80/month, and VTel $35/month, Verizon is asking $299.99/month from its customers, or $294.99/month from customers who sign up for a two year agreement. This high charge is to encourage customers to buy bundled plans, which charge $309.99/month for Internet and TV and $329.99/month for Internet, TV, and phone.
To be fair, most ISPs don't even offer comparable tiers, and those that do are asking for more. So, for those out of the coverage of any of the gigabit ISPs that are looking for high speed Internet may just have to live down paying the price.