After Dem Rep’s request, Google reopens local Fiber signup

Google is getting some kind words from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.).

The Web giant has responded to Cleaver’s request that it reopen its signup and outreach effort for Kansas City residents who want Google’s Fiber Internet service, which he said will help close the “digital divide.”

“With each positive step we take, we move forward toward accessible and affordable Internet access for all,” Cleaver said in a statement on Tuesday. “I look forward to working with Google and other long serving providers in the community to ensure we truly close the digital divide in Kansas City.”

{mosads}In February, Cleaver sent Google a letter asking it to focus more on low-income neighborhoods in the city, which appeared less likely to sign up for its high-speed Internet services.  

The early statistics “suggest the beginning of potential ‘digital redlining’ in our city,” he warned at the time. 

In light of the pressure, Google decided to reopen its signup period in the city so that anyone in a neighborhood connected to a Fiber line — known as a Fiberhood — can sign up.

“While we’ve had an enthusiastic response from customers in all of our Fiberhoods, we’ve also heard that many residents want another chance to sign up. And we’d like to bring Google Fiber to as many of these residents as possible.” Google Fiber’s Kansas City manager Kelly Carnago said in a statement.

Google offers three different tiers of service for Kansas City residents: two with super-fast Internet speeds and storage and another with slower 5 Megabits per second download speeds that is free after an initial $300 construction charge.