Gfiber, the rebranded former Google Fiber, is merging with New Jersey-based Astound Broadband to broaden its fiber internet services. Alphabet will hold a minority stake, while investment firm Stonepeak becomes the majority owner. The deal, led by Gfiber executives, aims to improve internet access in more U.S. communities.
Gfiber announced its merger with Astound Broadband, creating an independent broadband provider still operating under the Gfiber name. The company, which rebranded from Google Fiber about 15 years after its inception, will combine with Astound, whose parent Stonepeak will take majority ownership. Alphabet, Google's parent, retains a minority stake in the new entity.
Gfiber's executive team will lead the merged company, leveraging its expertise in high-speed fiber innovation to manage the combined network. Astound currently serves over one million customers across the United States. The merger is expected to enable expansion of Gfiber's gigabit fiber internet service to additional areas, potentially including regions where Astound operates, though specific locations were not detailed.
"Gfiber will now have the opportunity to provide better internet access to more communities across the country as they combine with Stonepeak's Astound business, while continuing to provide their award-winning customer experience," said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer for Alphabet and Google.
Gfiber offers services in 19 states, mainly in metropolitan areas, with speeds up to 8Gbps on its $150 per month Edge 8 Gig plan. A 20 Gig service is set to exit early access later in 2026. The service is part of Alphabet's "Other Bets" portfolio, which reported an operating loss of $16.8 billion in 2025. The merger requires regulatory approval and is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This move comes amid broader industry investments, such as AT&T's planned $250 billion over five years for wireless, fiber, and satellite infrastructure. Gfiber ranks highly for gigabit and multigigabit speeds but faces challenges with limited availability and lack of budget options.
