Economy

Google Fiber

On March 30, 2011, Google announced that it would bring its new high-speed fiberoptic network to Kansas City, Kan. Residents and businesses would be able to connect at a speed of 1 gigabit per second, 100 times faster than the average American's connection speed. In May 2011, the company announced that the service would be extended to Kansas City, Mo., as well. On July 26, 2012, Google announced that it would launch a television service along with the internet service. The announcement marked a six-week rally during which interested people can pre-register for Google's services. The next big date is Sept. 9, 2012, at which point the pre-registration period is over, and Kansas Citians who've secured the service can begin to schedule installations.

KCK Getting Googled

KCUR

Published March 30, 2011 at 10:57 AM CDT

Google internet access chief Kevin Lo fields questions outside Wyandotte H.S.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-960555.mp3

Kansas City, KS – From among 1100 cities in the country and a fierce competition, Google chooses Kansas City Kansas for first test-run of its ultra high speed fiber internet access. The word brought out the Kansas Governor and hundreds of curious people.

Business leaders swelled with pride at news the system would be coming next year. With internet speeds a hundred times faster than current broadband.

Educators were delighted. Schools will get the service for free.

Outside Wyandotte High School where Google executives described their plan, 10th grader Marco Molina knew how he'll use it-- "cuz sometimes you need something off the internet, takes 10 20 minutes and now you got it in 5 seconds, ready to study when you get home or at school."

Government leaders professed curiosity at how many applications they can find for the Google ultra high speed. And sure of one thing. It's good for KCK, will spread around the metro and probably much farther.

Governor Sam Brownback said he thinks next step will spread the system into Kansas City, Missouri, then include Lawrence and perhaps Topeka. And the Governor said it's likely Google will move the ultra high speed internet down the I-35 corridor into Oklahoma, once its applications are proven in Kansas City, Kansas.

Brownback would like to see applications in medicine and home health care. In addition to KCK schools, government offices will also get the service without charge.

Google's general manager for internet access, Kevin Lo would not say how much the service would cost residential users. The company said it would be "affordable." Rollout is expected next year.