Kansas City Technology Community Hails Google Fiber's Business Service as a Game Changer

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Greater Kansas City's technology community applauds Google's decision to roll out its Google Fiber small business service here first.  Google Fiber, which provides ultra-high-speed Internet service at up to one gigabit per second, began service to Kansas City homes in 2012.

"Kansas City's Internet service is now faster and more affordable than anywhere else in the nation," says Ryan Weber, president of KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City.  "Google Fiber's business service has the potential to disrupt the industry because of its low cost; typically, gigabit connectivity would cost upwards of $10,000 annually for a startup." 

According to Google, the service will initially be available in several "fiberhoods" across the metro, and will cost $100/monthly. 

"Everything we do is data driven, and as a result, affordable gigabit internet speed is critical for small businesses like ours to grow," says Toby Rush, president of Kansas City-based EyeVerify, a mobile biometric technology used to replace passwords.  "Super-fast internet connections offered by Google Fiber are increasingly important now that we're utilizing multiple cloud-based services and remote networks simultaneously; operationally, it's as if the server is right next to me."

After evaluating 1,100 cities nationwide, Google selected Kansas City for the roll-out of its Google Fiber service in 2012. The first neighborhood to receive the service has become known as the Kansas City Startup Village, an entrepreneur-led community helping to grow and support Kansas City entrepreneurs and the startup ecosystem.

"Google Fiber's business service will be a huge competitive advantage to companies like Hint, where our digital artists and developers need to edit and deliver content in real time both in our home market of KC, and with our partners in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and New York," says Teri Rogers, owner and CEO of Hint, a digital content and marketing company based in Kansas City's Crossroads District.  

Businesses are invited to sign up for Google Fiber's small business service here.

About KCnext

KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City serves as the regional advocate for the tech industry, supporting and growing the existing base of technology firms, as well as recruiting and attracting technology companies.  An industry-focused affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, KCnext is funded and supported by more than 80 organizations and played an integral part in securing the Google Fiber project for KC. www.kcnext.com @KCnext

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, the Kansas City region offers the benefits of more than 50 unique communities and 18 counties in Kansas and Missouri.  As "America's Creative Crossroads," the region's distinctive qualities come from a confluence of artistry and technology innovation.  Google selected the Kansas City metro for the roll-out of its Google Fiber service, which provides internet speeds at up to one gigabit per second.  www.thinkKC.com 

SOURCE KCnext

Related Links

http://www.kcnext.com