Google Fiber Leaves a Digital Divide

When Google launched its fast Internet service in Kansas City in 2012, the Web giant said it wanted to spread broadband widely and close the “digital divide.” But a survey suggests the company is far from achieving that goal.

The survey, in six low-income Kansas City (MO) neighborhoods, found that just 10% of residents subscribe to Google’s Fiber service. An additional 5% use a slower version that is free for seven years, after a $300 installation fee. By contrast, 42% of the residents surveyed in five nearby middle- and higher-income neighborhoods signed on to Google Fiber. An additional 11% took the slower version. Both surveys were conducted door-to-door by research firm Haynes & Co.; the one involving middle- and higher-income neighborhoods was commissioned by brokerage firm Sanford C. Bernstein.