Google Fiber launches ‘gigabit community’ effort in KCK

In a world where the Internet is used to search for jobs, pay bills and finish homework — Google Fiber aims to use its gigabit service to leverage equal opportunity.

In conjunction with a host of community partners, Google Fiber on Wednesday launched its first gigabit communities site in Kansas City, Kan. to help close the digital divide. Google Fiber is partnering with the Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority, Connecting for Good, Literacy KC, Surplus Exchange and other nonprofit partners on the effort.

The program will offer free gigabit-speed Internet to public and low-income housing residents located in the Cyrus K. Holliday community. The service will also share opportunities for digital literacy training and offer access to low-cost, refurbished devices

This should seem familiar to those on the Missouri side of the metro. In February, Google Fiber granted free Internet access to five Housing Authority of Kansas City communities.

The initiative will expand to other neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kan. — primarily families with K – 12 children. Google Fiber representatives stated that they are committed to tailoring each fiber city to their residents and Kansas City, Kan. is no different.

In unrelated news, Google Fiber recently announced that it would halt the expansion of its gigabit networks in several cities and that its CEO, Craig Barratt, is stepping down. The company is “pausing” expansion in such cities as Oklahoma City, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, Louisville and several others. The move does not affect existing partner cities, including operations in Kansas City.