Google picks KCK/KCMO for ultra fast fiber network

[chrizow]

This event is the 'tipping point' where a small market city becomes an expensive small market city- invest in real estate now.

interesting idea, and i want to believe it, but why do you say this?

[ignatius]

Apparently Columbia was under serious consideration. Google apparently visited twice...

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/201 ... re-choice/

[KCMax]

Looking deeper into Google?s plans for KCK

Will this cross the state line?

Probably.

Google said it plans to expand in ?the region.? Much will depend on whether the Kansas City, Kan., project works.

Pressed on whether Google is going to become a national Internet service provider, the company gets cagey.

?Our model is not just applicable to Kansas City, Kan.,? Lo said.

[WinchesterMysteryHouse]

interesting idea, and i want to believe it, but why do you say this?

Intuition? 

[ignatius]

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/16/28 ... -hook.html

Is odd that Google would announce this now as they haven't even proven they can deliver to KCK.  Is good news for the MO side overall.  Kinda puts a damper on KCK's exclusivity before it even gets off the ground.

[chrizow]

(like)

[KCPowercat]

Solid news. Be interesting to see where they go....green impact zone would be a good public move. Downtown would obviously be difficult given the built infrastructure.

[zonk]

GIZ????  Seriously KCP?  Green Impact Zoning is a total waste of $$$.  Better start Google downtown...Rivermarket/CBD/Crossroads.

[KCMax]

I'm not a tech guy, so could someone please explain to me what a google is?

[KCPowercat]

Oh you know that's where I want them to start

[zonk]

10-4....i don't disagree with the neighborhood(s), but the whole GIZ thinkg is a joke and a waste of money...IMO.

[Boo Radley]

This is awesome news.  This may be a stupid question, but does that mean everyone on KC will get free, super-fast internet?  Does this mean Time Warner, Uverse, etc. will lose all their internet revenue?

[bobbyhawks]

Well, there is already quite a bit of fiber downtown, and it is the closest concentration of businesses to downtown KCK where they have already stated they will run fiber, so I would think downtown KCMO would definitely be part of the deal.  Also, I could very well be wrong, but I would think that the downtown loop and surrounding areas are built for upgradability when it comes to running cable.  I would think that the loop would actually be the cheapest place to serve the most businesses initially, without much digging.  There could be a number of impediments that I'm not aware of, though.  As far as Google is concerned, I think it is a smart move for them to bring KCMO into the fold early.  If the MO side attracted more businesses than the KS side in that year, they would look pretty bad.  This way, they can take credit for pretty much any good business news in the Metro.

I'm pulling for the Westside for selfish reasons, but just so long as the Rivermarket, Loop, East Village, and Crossroads are in the initial plans, I will be satisfied.  I also do wonder if Mayor James did actually have anything to do with this.  It is quite possible that Google may have changed its tune on KCMO once they realized that a reasonable man with great ideas was in office, not unlike a quick change in bond ratings once the earnings tax and new mayor were secured.  So, it may be more accurate conjecture that Funk and his reputation played a role in KCMO not being in the initial announcement.

This is awesome news.  This may be a stupid question, but does that mean everyone on KC will get free, super-fast internet?  Does this mean Time Warner, Uverse, etc. will lose all their internet revenue?

No.  Allegedly, it will be competitive with other high speed internet and not be free outside of a few schools and pet projects, but it will certainly kill a lot of business for those mentioned.  Also, it will probably be a while before it is rolled out to everyone in KCMO.  Doubt they could finish that rollout in under 2 years.

[ThaMexican]

Pulling for the Westside too, I would think it would be included since Westside South is right next to KCK.

[ignatius]

KCP&L has made an announcement..

http://www.tradershuddle.com/2011051722 ... oogle.html

[mean]

Ordering racks. Building data center in my house. Who wants to colo with mean industries? The SLA isn't very good, but the prices are unbelievably cheap!

[bobbyhawks]

It would be great to see a cottage industry of special effects startups come to KC around film row.  It worked for this KC film and TV wizard: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Branit

Imagine what a boutique effects firm could accomplish with 1 GBPS on the cheap back and forth between LA and NYC.

[KC0KEK]

1 GBPS on the cheap

Has Google announced pricing?

[KCMax]

KC Biz reporter tweets this will go beyond KCK and KCMO and details will follow.

http://twitter.com/#!/sstagemeyer/status/70546650774511616

[ignatius]

The City Hall release gives a tidbit of who was involved during the process...

Meeting at OfficePort in the heart of the City’s creative Crossroads neighborhood, the GoogleKC coalition includes representatives of the City of Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City Power & Light; Kansas City Area Development Council; KCnext; Kauffman Foundation; Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City Missouri School District; Brush Creek Partners; The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; The Black Economic Union; Mid-America Regional Council; and a diverse and inclusive group of local business and community leaders.

http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/NewsArchives/051711A