Since Google Fiber started we got a fiber network in my area from Cincinnati Bell that allowed me to kick Time Warner in the nuts. It was more satisfying than the ending to Breaking Bad. I've saved money and gotten all the speed it promised. I don't know how much Google's example was involved in bringing this to us, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
I'm sure it had some impact in generating market demand for higher speeds; because the reason nobody offered gigabit to the home was that customers value 100 mbps Internet at something like $60/mo and only value gigabit Internet at $75/mo. But it costs the ISPs a lot more to provide gigabit, so the numbers just don't work out. If Google helped to push the "willingness to pay" for gigabit Internet access up a bit, the ISPs are likely grateful for the help.
I guess I see what you're paying. So right now you can get a 50 mbps plan for $50 through CinBell Fioptics or $65 through Time Warner. I've only ever paid up to the 100 mbps plan for Fioptics though, and then went down one grade because the speed was far more than I needed. I've had every time warner plan, and was ecstatic when Netflix wouldn't buffer constantly. Maybe it's just the far less traffic on the fiber making it superior, but everything about my Fioptics experience has been pleasant. They don't charge extra for a modem or router, and the reps have always been easy to deal with.
