Google's KC fiber buildout causing widespread complaints

With considerable fanfare, Google this year began wiring parts of Kansas City, Missouri for its 1 Gbps fiber service. But wiring a metro area is no small matter and laying thousands of miles of above and below ground wire, the company has angered more than a few residents.

According to the Kansas City Star, “Homeowners complain of workers crossing their properties without notice — something Google said it tells contractors not to do. Some residents reached out to City Hall after their lawns were damaged, buried sprinklers were busted or water, telephone, cable TV, electrical or gas lines were cut.”

Google is creating a network that telecoms have generally taken decades to create – and the result is disruption. AT&T is considering building out its own fiber, but, said the Star, “AT&T would only need to extend fiberoptic connections from existing switching stations to homes, suggesting less digging and inconvenience.”

Complaints mount as Google Fiber extends its reach in Kansas City (Kansas City Star, Jun. 23, 2014)