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
Rescue florists give new life to leftover flowers; nonprofit just needs 6-inch stems and someone to surprise
Impact is growing again for an initiative that sends recycled floral arrangements — flowers otherwise headed for the trash after events — to homebound Kansas City seniors. Volunteer-run Unexpected Blooms recently celebrated its sixth birthday, after being forced to take a pause when the pandemic stalled many large gatherings from which they sourced flowers, shared…
Poio’s chef-owner lets go of his popular KCK restaurant: ‘I’m still learning how to relax’
Carlos Mortera struggled with the idea of not working all hours of the waking day, he shared, explaining that this subconscious guilt is sometimes known as “immigrant shame.” “Being a first-generation [American], you see all the sacrifices your parents made to get you to this country. Because of their sacrifices, you feel like you should…
Chat GPT isn’t an AI superhero, founder says, but with the right context this new tech can save the day for businesses
An emerging Kansas City entrepreneur hopes to train businesses on how they can harness the power of Chat GPT to gain a competitive advantage, he said. Learning how to effectively utilize Chat GPT — an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and recently introduced into the market — can benefit all companies by streamlining operations…
KC’s sports business icons joining the roster for Junior Achievement Hall of Fame
A Super Bowl win and the NFL Draft turned Kansas City into a sports haven, said Megan Sturges Stanfield, so it’s only fitting that the latest laureates to join Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame reflect not only a passion for athleticism and their hometown — but translating opportunity into entrepreneurial success. Among the new…