Google's Planning Free Broadband Internet Service to Low-Income Homes

Paul Lilly 4 hours ago

Broadband for all



We tend to freak out as if the world is ending when our Internet service goes down. However, among homes that bring in less than $30,000 per year, more than a quarter—26 percent—don't have Internet access, compared to 3 percent of adults who make over $75,000. Google is looking to close the gap.

To do that, Google is launching a program that will see all current and future Google Fiber locations offer a no-cost Internet option to residents in select public and affordable housing properties. That means $0 per month and no installation fee.

Google Fiber is currently available in Kansas City, Kansas; Austin, Texas; and Provo, Utah. Other areas on the roadmap include Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Salt Lake City, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; San Antonio, Texas; and San Jose, California.

The initiative to connect low income families to the web for no cost is part of ConnectHome, a program launched by the White House and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to bring Internet connectivity to school-age children and families living in HUD-assisted housing.

"We realize, though, that providing an Internet connection is just one piece of the puzzle. People can only take advantage of the many benefits of the web when they understand why it matters and know how to use it," Google said. "That’s why we’ll also partner with ConnectHome and local community groups to develop basic computer skills training and create computer labs to host these trainings in each of our Fiber markets."

For those who don't qualify, Google still offers a $0/month "Basic Internet" tier in its Fiber locations, though there's a $300 construction. It can be paid in one lump sum for $25/month or the first 12 months.

http://www.maximumpc.com/googles-pla...-income-homes/