Google program provides high-speed Internet for low-income areas

Google Fiber, in partnership with Salt Lake City and the nonprofit, low-income housing provider Utah Nonprofit Housing Corp. (UNPHC) has announced Salt Lake City’s first Gigabit Communities Program. The program that provides no-cost fast fiber Internet to select public and low-income housing residents in the city. 

Google Fiber, in partnership with Salt Lake City and the nonprofit, low-income housing provider Utah Nonprofit Housing Corp. (UNPHC) has announced Salt Lake City’s first Gigabit Communities Program. The program that provides no-cost fast fiber Internet to select public and low-income housing residents in the city.

“Whether you’re an Internet super-user, a small-business owner, or someone going online for the first time, people want and need fast Internet,” said Jacob Brace, community impact manager for Google Fiber in Salt Lake City. “We’re proud to be working in partnership with UNPHC, who recognizes just how essential Internet connectivity is to the success of the community. Providing super-fast Internet is just a start.” 

The first properties that Google Fiber and UNPHC are partnering to connect are known collectively as Lorna Doone — three properties in the center of Salt Lake City that collectively house hundreds of low-income residents. Residents there can now activate Fiber 1000 (1,000 Mbps) service at no cost. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Google Fiber on such a meaningful project,” said Marci Milligan, development consultant for Utah Nonprofit Housing Corp. “By bringing up to a gigabit connection to low-income housing, we can truly address the digital divide through our housing efforts and support self-sufficiency.” 

The partnership was further enhanced with donations from local businesses to acquire mobile computer labs and install smart educational boards at key housing sites, which allows remote user education across UNPHC’s 55 sites. 

Through an existing partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), Google Fiber has also supported a Digital Inclusion Fellow to work with UNPHC to provide digital literacy services. These services are available to any UNPHC resident who needs help learning how to use the Internet. There is also a fellow placed with the Salt Lake Library’s main branch. 

In the past year, Google partnered with numerous local organizations to increase access to technology, including Spy Hop’s digital youth program, Neighborhood House programs for seniors, Salt Lake County Public Housing Authority and the Salt Lake City School District. 

Google Fiber is an Internet and TV service that provides Internet speeds up to one gigabit per compared to the average Internet speed in America today of 31Mbps as reported by the FCC. Google Fiber is currently available in Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Provo; Salt Lake City; Morrisville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta; and Austin, Texas.