By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
May 25, 2011

“This isn’t about Kansas City being up-to-date, it’s about Kansas City being ahead of the curve,” said Jim Glover, City of Kansas City Council member.

City Council Member Russ Johnson compared Google’s announcement to the advent of electricity.

In March, Google announced it selected Kansas City, Kan., from more than 1,000 cities to receive its ultra high-speed fiber network Internet access. On May 17, Google expanded that offer to Kansas City, Mo., and the city council accepted the partnership.

Google’s cutting edge technology will use fiber-optic cable to boost Internet speeds to more than 100 times faster than current broadband.

“Google’s not really interested in incremental change,” General Manger of Google Access Kevin Lo said. “We’re interested in fundamental and game changing types of shifts. What’s exciting for us is we have no idea what the next set of applications will be…

“We in the technology community are fundamentally convinced that ultra high-speed Internet is a platform for the 21st Century. You have to have this infrastructure in place. It’s the foundation for growth and progress.”

Kansas City Mayor Sly James said Google’s announcement has already triggered feedback from businesses. Businesses are voicing interest in relocating or expanding their business in Kansas City, he said.

Asked why Google chose Kansas City, Lo said, “Why not Kansas City? It’s a great place to be.”

Megan Stull of Google’s Telecom Policy Counsel agreed.

“When we looked for a location for the project, we wanted to find a place with people who are passionate about innovation, education, about communication and about our country, and we found that here in Kansas City,” Stull said. “People’s eyes were just opened to how excellent this community is and how committed you are to really achieving and becoming even more the heart of the United States.

“We could not be more privileged and humbled to be here.”

Kansas City submitted its application to receive Google’s ultra high-speed Internet in September of 2010 and the process has been a collaborative effort between the city, Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) and a host of community partners.

“This would not be possible without KCP&L,” Lo said. “It’s required a partnership working with the utility in order to deploy these kind of networks in a timeframe that’s relevant to the citizens.”

KCP&L is the first investor-owned utility in the world to agree to this type of partnership, Lo said.

Kansas City Manager Troy Schulte said Google will use KCP&L’s utility poles to install and construct the fiber network beginning in early to mid 2012. Google will also utilize KCP&L’s conduits and transmission systems.

“It’s a great opportunity for Kansas City,” Schulte said. “I liken it to the old construction of the railroads and the bridge built across the Missouri River in 1869. It could be that significant to Kansas City’s development. It could be our 21st Century Hannibal Bridge.”