Google Fiber has finalized a licensing agreement with the City of Riverside, bringing that high-speed fiber optic internet service to the Riverside area over the next year.
The Riverside Board of Alderman approved the agreement at the Tuesday, Aug. 1 meeting of the board. Google representatives said installation of the fiber should begin in mid-2024 with the first customers coming online by the end of the year.
City administrator Brian Koral said that while construction of the new library was the longest-running project over the past decade or so, getting Google Fiber to Riverside was the second longest project.
Mayor Kathy Rose voiced her concern for areas with low population density, which may not receive Google Fiber. The representative said certain low density areas may not be eligible for service now, but could be in the future.
“You are going to make a lot of people happy.” Rose said, but acknowledged some may be disappointed once Google draws up its service maps.
It was announced in March that Google Fiber would soon be available in Parkville, with the board of aldermen approving an initial licensing agreement to install underground utilities.
Kansas City was an early test market for Google Fiber, but the service had not previously extended to Parkville or Riverside. Representatives said over the years Google Fiber has extended its footprint in the area and is now able to offer service. Currently, installation is under way in 26 municipalities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.