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In a world so full of suffering and death, it might be difficult to understand how we’ve made internet speed one of the most pressing issues of our generation. I’m saying that it might be difficult because if you’re not living in a country where the aforementioned death and suffering are constantly present, you’re fully entitled to occasionally space it out.
This is because our brains aren’t capable of actually caring about more than a few dozen people at the same time, so if something terrible doesn’t happen to someone you know, you’re programmed to more quickly get over it. So it’s no surprise that we’re so focused on our own tiny problems, seeing as they’re out surrounding reality.
Google Fiber’s Internet
In their attempt to make Internet speeds better by provoking competitive pricing and speeds across the United States, Google launched their Fiber subdivision some four years ago. Only four cities are currently part of the program, with seven more waiting to be made part of the network.
The program consists of high-speed internet, television, and telephone services, and in order to benefit from it people only had to pay a $300 installation fee. After, they were able to use it for free up until now. Disappointing thousands of customers in the first state to have the service installed, Google Fiber stops bringing free internet to Kansas City.
Goodbye, free web
Of course, services will still be provided, but the customers will now have to pay for their internet services. And Google has even made efforts to allow cheaper options for those that can’t afford the more expensive ones, with prices ranging from $50 per month to $130. Of course, each option comes with its own benefits.
In collaboration with the Obama administration, the new model was designed specifically to reach some unspecified digitally divided neighborhoods. The internet will remain free until the 19th of May, when interested customers will have the opportunity to renew their contracts to the $50, $70 or $130 varieties.
After all that?
Still, despite the nearly four years of free internet, the other cities that have had Google Fiber installed are getting antsy about their nearing change of contract. And particularly for Austin, Texas, that’s perfectly understandable. You see, the internet installation team hired by Google really messed up the process.
During the installation process, the team hired by Fiber to handle the physical labor did a really nasty job on the city. The team was particularly messy and careless, destroying public and private property, clogging the city’s sewage system and causing floods that cost people their homes.
Seeing as many haven’t yet recovered from the ordeal, with many still battling in courts over their ruined homes, it would be inappropriate at best if the company was to revoke their free internet rights after they’ve put the city through so much.
Image source: Wikimedia
