The internet provides a level playing field, by allowing anyone online to take a course or start a business. For it to do so, however, everyone must have access to it. A new Google Fiber initiative will ensure that low-income families in US public housing get that access, via a superfast connection.
Google's 1 Gbps Fiber service was launched as an experimental trial in 2010. It's now available in cities across the US and continues to expand. Last year, the firm partnered with the US government's ConnectHome scheme to help accelerate internet adoption among families in public housing that have school-age children.
Today, Google announced that it will go further, by providing free gigabit internet access to all residents in public housing properties that are connected to Google Fiber. Through local ConnectHome partners, residents will also be able to buy devices at discounted rates, and learn new computer skills.
The program is being launched in Kansas City, which was the first city chosen for Google Fiber rollout proper in 2011. Google says it has worked with the local housing authority to wire up 100 homes in West Bluff with 1,000 Mbps access, and is working with affordable housing providers to connect up to nine further properties housing more than 1,300 families.
The comapny plans to bring gigabit internet access to affordable housing in all of the cities in which its Fiber service operates.
Source: Google
