Google Fiber clarifies KC plans after reports of mass cancellations
March 23, 2017 | Bobby Burch
After media reports indicated it canceled “hundreds” of area residents’ installations without a specific reason, Google Fiber is now clarifying its Kansas City plans.
The tech giant — which began building an expansive gigabit network in Kansas City, Kan. in 2011 — said that while it remains committed to the area, it is tapering its expansion plans for now.
“Google Fiber loves Kansas City and is here to stay,” the company said in a statement. “We’ve been grateful to be part of your community since 2011, and for the opportunity to provide superfast Internet to residents. In order to focus our efforts and resources, we’ll be slowing construction in some areas until we can layer in the new deployment models we’re developing.”
Google Fiber added that it’s continuing to offer signups in Raymore and Overland Park, but is “simply telling customers we won’t be building to them in 2017,” the statement read.
“We want to refund their deposit and let them know as opposed to making them wait,” Google Fiber said. “This is to improve customer experience and reducing wait times.”
The statement from Google Fiber follows a report that mass cancellations were taking place around Kansas City without explanation. On March 16, KSHB reported on an email that a prospective Google Fiber customer received in Olathe.
“Thanks for signing up for Google Fiber. Although we’ve been working hard to bring you service, we’re unable to build our network to connect your home at this time,” it wrote in an email. “Unfortunately, this means we need to cancel your Fiber account. If you paid a deposit, we’ll refund your deposit amount to your original form of payment in the next two weeks.”
The recent news follows a February announcement from Google Fiber that it was beginning to refocus its employees after a leadership change. Although the gigabit provider lost “hundreds” of employees — all of which were reportedly shifted into new roles within Google — the firm insisted it planned to continue expansion in the Kansas City area.
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kauffman CEO: Foundation’s reset aligns Mr. K’s intent with KC’s needs of the moment
A recently announced strategy refresh for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will drive the organization’s collective impact in the community — honoring the vision of its namesake while recognizing the challenges Kansas City faces today, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace. “Mr. K had very distinct philosophies and ideas around how he wanted this work done,” explained…
Block by block: Prototype builds startup’s housing vision where everyone can afford their own castle
A mock home facade project on the grounds of Kansas City’s historic Workhouse Castle serves as a proof point for Godfrey Riddle’s rebooted Civic Saint — a social venture built on compressed earth blocks as its key to affordable, sustainable housing. “CEBs (compressed earth blocks) are great for Kansas City, because non-expansive sandy clay soil…
Resource revival: Digital Inclusion Fund relaunches with initial grants focused on devices
Kansas Citians can’t upgrade skills or devices they don’t already have, said organizers of a newly relaunched Digital Inclusion Fund — emphasizing a need to attack the metro’s digital divide at the infrastructure level. The fund is set to award up to $250,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities (including schools and churches) or governmental entities across…
New deal with lightwell keeps WeWork in Kansas City after closing Corrigan Station space
A freshly negotiated lease agreement with the developer behind the lightwell building in downtown Kansas City means WeWork will continue its two-floor coworking and flexible office space operation in the heart of the city’s central business district. WeWork has officially completed its lease rationalization with the assumption of its lightwell location contract, the company said…