A VERY important article from Ars Technica that tech savvy locals should contemplate: How Kansas City taxpayers support Google Fiber - Google Fiber isn't exactly a free-market success story.
Money quote:
Indeed, the agreement between Google and Kansas City, MO, specifies that the city will "make space available to Google in City facilities for the installation of Google’s Central Office equipment and for additional network facilities," will "provide power necessary for Google’s equipment at City locations," and "will not charge Google for such space, power, or related services."
While I think it's probably cash well spent and used in a much more productive way than a Downtown Toy Train or Convention Hotel . . . Read the Ars Technica article for yourself that brings a lot more insight than most Dead Tree Media coverage and the "Digital Divide" fake controversy that doesn't imply to the impending KC Star Paywall.
Money quote:
Indeed, the agreement between Google and Kansas City, MO, specifies that the city will "make space available to Google in City facilities for the installation of Google’s Central Office equipment and for additional network facilities," will "provide power necessary for Google’s equipment at City locations," and "will not charge Google for such space, power, or related services."
While I think it's probably cash well spent and used in a much more productive way than a Downtown Toy Train or Convention Hotel . . . Read the Ars Technica article for yourself that brings a lot more insight than most Dead Tree Media coverage and the "Digital Divide" fake controversy that doesn't imply to the impending KC Star Paywall.
I am ok with it.
ReplyDeleteWhile I wish it was entirely on Google's neck, many cities are worse off in that they do the network themselves and end up with an out of date system before it's completed. At least it makes sense when you figure that Google will likely keep upgrading the network.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense. Let's give free stuff to one of the most profitable companies in the world.
ReplyDeleteThat changes everything.
ReplyDeleteIf Kansas City tax dollars are being used to support Google, then Google's services damn well better be available to ALL Kansas City residents- not just the rich white taxpayers....
...exactly why the value of your property HAS to go up.
ReplyDeleteGoogle has already developed a direct tax plan where they collect from wannabe subscribers months before they implement a damn thing - just like government. So for months you have people cheeleading and jumping on the bandwagon and now the true costs of this situation is going to bitch slap the citizens. Lets see how fast Google becomes a nemesis to the community.
ReplyDeleteShut up. The general public isn't supposed to know about this stuff.
ReplyDeleteNot gettin it, not paying one dime for it, not paying one dime in hidden, or otherwise disguised tax increases to pay for it. Google can burn in hell as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteYep. I hear they're going to make owners of multi-unit apartment buildings pay the $300 per unit construction fee up front.
ReplyDeleteFree government giveaways to a company like Google what could go wrong? GRAFT
ReplyDeleteGovernment didn't build it!
ReplyDeleteYea right
Thanks KCMO!
ReplyDeleteYours truly, KCK.
Look, this ain't the Toy Train.
ReplyDeleteBringing Google in to this city is a very positive event city wide.
11:54
"If Kansas City tax dollars are being used to support Google, then Google's services damn well better be available to ALL Kansas City residents- not just the rich white taxpayers...."
Taxing an EBT card, is a zero sum effort.
Chuck- I know you're trying to be funny, but it's wrong to assume that everyone living in lower income areas is on the dole.
ReplyDeleteThe more important point is that if City government is going to give away public resources to private interests, and a private utility at that, then they have a duty to ensure all residents receive equal opportunity to access the system. Period.
By the way, Chuck, even those using an EBT card pay sales taxes.
ReplyDeleteOne good comment out of the bunch. If the city is paying for it, it should be available to all in the city. It may take a year or twoo to get there. But it should be available to all.
ReplyDelete