Google Fiber may be available only in limited areas of the Triangle but its community reach is close to 500,000 “unique” participants and visitors, the company says in a new report.

It’s also helped 366 people bridge the “digital divide” through training and providing computers.

While Google Fiber has delayed deployment of its network in much of the U.S., the company has said it remains committed to expansion across the Research Triangle region. And in its “Community Impact Report,” Google Fiber accented its commitment to be actively involved in education as well as outreach.

The report notes several statistics that Google Fiber says reflects its commitment:

  • 28,000 Digital literacy training hours provided
  • 9,000 Children and families served by STEM focused programs supported by Google Fiber
  • 202 Youth participants in Create Your World and Made With Code programming
  • 366 People who became Internet adopters due to partnerships with Google Fiber
  • 494,426 Unique participants or visitors reached by programs/events in partnership with Google Fiber

The report does not, however, note how many customers Google Fiber has signed up. Its service is available in parts of Morrisville and Raleigh’s North Hills.

The company also recently opened its Triangle headquarters and community center in Raleigh’s warehouse district.

Google also pointed out that it has hired two “Digital Inclusion Fellows” (Mike Byrd, Kramden Institute; James Butts, Triangle Literacy Council) in partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network as part of the outreach and education program.

“These community leaders have expanded local nonprofit organizations’ capacity to deliver digital literacy training, as well as train hundreds of residents throughout the Triangle,” the report says.

“Together with local nonprofit and public housing partners, the Digital Inclusion Fellows have organized and executed more than 60 outreach events in communities across the Triangle to help residents leap over the digital divide.”

Google Fiber says that the programs are training “on average” 24 people a month. They also receive refurbished computers.

The Kramden Institute works with multiple partners across the region to rebuild computers and donate them to students and families in need.

“From the earliest days of Google Fiber through today, we’ve seen the transformational power of local partnerships and how access to super fast Internet – and all the tools that come with it – can drive progress in communities,” the report explains.

“Not just for tech hubs and entrepreneurs, but for low income families, whose access and training has allowed them to leap over the digital divide. This progress means more children using computers in after-school programs and STEM classes, more students going online to finish their homework, and more families learning basic computer skills to enhance their lives.”

Read the full report at:

https://storage.googleapis.com/fiber/community/impact-report.pdf