Independence City Council to consider broadband agreement with Google Fiber

On Monday, Aug. 7, the Independence City Council will review a resolution that would allow Google Fiber to build a fiber optic broadband internet network in the City.

As referenced on the Council agenda posted on Friday, June 28, if approved the resolution would allow the City to enter into a non-exclusive license agreement with Google Fiber. The complete resolution can be viewed here.

“In the modern world we live in, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” Mayor Pro Tem Dan Hobart said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council to bring this resource to our community. Look for my continued updates as this resolution works through the policy process, and, if approved, the implementation of this opportunity in our community.”

The Council will hear information about the agreement for the first time on Monday, Aug. 7. Google Fiber representatives will be present to answer any questions at that time.

“Cities, like Independence, are focused on helping bring more options for how their residents can get quality internet,” said Rachel Merlo, Google Fiber Head of Government and Community Affairs, Central Region. “Google Fiber looks forward to connecting more people in Independence to high speed, high bandwidth internet.”

Google Fiber is currently available in many of Independence’s neighbor communities across the Kansas City metro including Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Gladstone and Grandview.