@BlogKCA few tidbits and clarifications to the Google Fiber installation process, gathered from various random places…
The first phase focuses on residential neighborhoods in eastern KCK and the core of KCMO (South of the River within the I-435 loop). Northlanders, it sucks to be you!
Google is only going into neighborhoods (a.k.a. fiberhoods) where a significant number of residents express interest by pre-registering. If your neighborhood doesn’t meet Google’s minimum threshold, then no fiber for you. So rally your neighbors!
The first phase is a one-time opportunity. Each neighborhood gets one installation, so if you wait until after September you will miss the chance to get fiber hooked up to your home. There is no information on installation options after the initial rollout.
The neighborhood registration contest is already raising equity issues. Most of the neighborhoods to reach the threshold so far are wealthy areas along the Ward Parkway corridor or gentrified parts of Midtown. It will be hard for folks in low income areas to take advantage of the free Internet service offer if their neighborhood is on the wrong side of the digital divide and can’t get enough folks registered before the deadline. Hopefully Google has a plan for being more inclusive beyond the current game.
Installation will be prioritized based on the number of pre-registrations in each neighborhood. After your fiberhood crosses the magic threshold, keep rallying your neighbors to get a place at the front of the line.
The first KCK fiberhoods will get hooked up this fall, with the first KCMO fiberhoods coming in early 2013.
The first phase is focused on residential service, but business plans are expected to be announced in the near future. Small businesses in a fiberhood can get access when the homes are hooked up.
If you live in a more commercial neighborhood the pre-registration system may not let you sign up. You might have to visit the Google Fiber Space to get registered. Residents of Downtown and Midtown highrises have reported their addresses being disqualified.
