Google announced on Wednesday it is giving away access to its high-speed internet service to public housing residents in its current and future markets.
The move is in partnership with the White House and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's recently-revealed ConnectHome plan, which will bring low-cost or free Internet service to 27 cities.
Although Google already offers a free tier of Internet as part of its Google Fiber service, it is now waiving the $300 installation fee.
Right now, Google Fiber is in Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Mo. and Provo, Utah, and is on its way to Atlanta, Charlotte, S.C.; Nashville; Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Salt Lake City.
First launched in 2012, Google Fiber allows people in what Google calls "Fiberhoods" to qualify for various subscription packages for its much-faster Internet connection. Typically, Google Fiber costs $70 a month for Internet, while Internet along with television will cost about $120.
The company, which has had its sights sets on bringing faster Internet to more locations, is also partnering with local organizations in each city to provide digital literacy programs and computer labs.
Access to broadband is a major obstacle for lower-income households. Google points to a study estimating a quarter of all people making less than $30,000 a year don't have Internet access at all.
