Google Fiber joins initiative to offer free Internet access to public housing communities

Google Fiber has announced they are partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in a new program launched by the White House, ConnectHome, that hopes to bring Internet connections to public and affordable housing communities. HUD has selected 28 locations throughout the country for the initial deployment of ConnectHome, which will provide free Internet connections to public and affordable housing residents in those locations. In communities where Google Fiber exists or is being deployed, like Atlanta, Durham, Nashville and Kansas City, as well as future Google Fiber markets that may overlap, Google will provide the Internet access portion.

As part of the ConnectHome initiative, Google will also partner with local community groups to provide basic computer skills training and they will help with the development of computer labs in the communities. According to Google, 26% of households who earn less than $30,000 annually do not have Internet access versus only 3% lacking access who earn $75,000 or more. This “digital divide” can have a huge impact on the opportunities available to school-age children in a world that is increasingly connected.

Google says they pursued the partnership after their experience with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). In Austin, Google worked with HACA, EveryoneOn.org, Austin Free-Net and Austin Community College to create digital literacy training classes, provide computer access, and rollout free Internet service. Google hopes to replicate the success they had in Austin in other locations where they roll out Google Fiber services.

After the White House announcement earlier this week, HUD Secretary Julián Castro has been visiting the communities selected for ConnectHome to launch the initiative where he has been joined by Google executives. In locations without Google Fiber, other Internet providers are being tapped to assist with access.

source: Google Fiber

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