GoogleFi runs into some deep local tensions in KC. That never would have happened here! 

OK, it might have happened here. 

Seems like a problem that Google could fix by changing its rules and connecting all schools. The filtering issue could be solved by having GOOG pay the $1 million, which the company could find under the couch cushions at HQ, and which would be a huge PR win instead of what's brewing now. 

Comments

[Roch]

"But Google Fiber — though provided for free by Google to qualifying schools — would require a direct connection with each building that it hooks-up, necessitating a separate filter be set up for each of those buildings’ networks, which would likely cost the district in excess of an additional $1 million, or a majority of the technology budget. "

I question whether that is accurate. It's not my area of expertise, but just because the physical connection may not be through the central office, doesn't mean that traffic couldn't be routed through it virtually, as a proxy server, where the filtering could still centrally reside. In fact, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what happens in Guilford County Schools.

[RBM]

The 'requirement' isn't specified; you addressed a technical aspect.

On the other hand, it may be contractual terms responsible for the details as explained.

Just a WAG.

[justcorbly]

It makes sense that more affluent households would be quicker to apply for Google fiber because they are more likely to be current demanding users in need of the increased bandwidth.

School systems and Kansan powers-that-be might have considered the costs of switching to Google, e.g., dealing with the existing T-W contract.

That said, Google should just pay for all the connections and new infrastructure needed to deliver its fiber equitably throughout the city. That, at leaast, is what I thought Google meant when it started hyping this notion.

[Roch]

Yeah, I had that impression too.

[Triadwatch]

I just enjoy the talk of having free Internet service but it will cost you $300 , what a joke .