The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met Monday night and voted unanimously to approve a contract with GFiber, the company previously known as Google Fiber, allowing it to build and house a fiber‑optic network in the city’s public right‑of‑way. The agreement clears the way for underground broadband to be installed throughout Grain Valley, extending high‑speed internet service further into eastern Jackson County.
Local benefits and city revenue
Under the terms of the deal, GFiber will pay Grain Valley 1% of its gross revenue generated from the city’s network. City officials said the modest revenue share will help fund future municipal projects while residents gain a modern, reliable internet option.
Resident excitement
“I’m very excited about it. Heard great things about it,” said resident Steve Bredberry. He noted that GFiber had recently installed service nearby, but the timing meant Grain Valley just missed the initial rollout.
Jordan Mendoza, another local, added, “Right now, I pay about $100 a month. I feel that is pretty average for out here… I would be excited about it. We need it out here. The internet service out here isn’t really the best with AT&T and T‑Mobile, so I think GFiber would help tremendously.”
Current coverage and construction outlook
GFiber already offers service as close as Blue Springs, and the underground installation means residents can expect construction activity along streets and sidewalks as crews lay fiber‑optic cables beneath the roadways. Because the network will be buried, it is protected from weather‑related outages that often affect aerial lines.
The city’s agreement also promises more competition in the local broadband market, giving households and businesses a choice beyond the existing providers.
Next steps
City staff will work with GFiber to develop a construction schedule, obtain any necessary permits, and keep the public informed of road closures or disruptions. KSHB 41 News will provide updates on construction progress and the eventual rollout of service to Grain Valley homes and businesses.
By embracing modern fiber‑optic infrastructure, Grain Valley joins a growing number of Missouri communities seeking to close the digital divide and support economic growth through reliable, high‑speed internet access.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
