Google announced that it will bring gigabit Internet service to residents in all public housing properties that it connects with Google Fiber. This is launching with the Housing Authority of Kansas City at West Bluff.
This is the first property to get gigabit Internet as a part of the program and wires 100 homes with Fiber. Families that live there can sign up now.
“And through local ConnectHome partners, such as Connecting for Good and Surplus Exchange, they’ll also be able to purchase discounted devices and learn new computer skills,” says Google Fiber Vice President Dennis Kish. “Across Kansas City, we’re working with local affordable housing providers to connect up to nine properties, reaching more than 1,300 families in the metro area.”
“Looking forward, we plan to bring gigabit Internet to select affordable housing in all of our Fiber cities,” Kish adds. “We’re working with local providers to identify which properties we’ll connect across these markets, and we’ll have more to share as we bring Google Fiber to these cities. Finally, inspired by the early success of our work with the Housing Authority for the City of Austin, we’ll be complementing this $0/month Internet service by working with local partners to make new investments in computer labs and digital literacy classes so residents learn the skills they need to get online.”
As the company notes, the U.S. has some of the most expensive broadband in the world despite lagging speeds, making it difficult for low income families to get online.