Google Fiber will end TV service in Kansas City in 2022
Google Fiber is ending its Fiber TV service, which offers live TV to customers in Kansas City. Subscribers will see their TV service end between Feb. 28 and April 30, 2022. In its place, the company is encouraging customers to sign up for live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling or Philo.
Google Fiber is offering customers equipment upgrades to smooth the transition to TV streaming. The new equipment will be compatible with Google TV, a platform that allows users to browse all their streaming subscriptions in one place. Here’s what customers will receive in the free upgrade:
One Chromecast device for each Fiber TV box a customer currently owns
A voice-activated Google TV remote
One or more Wifi points for Google Wifi. These points will replace current Wifi routers.
“We designed the new whole-home Wi-Fi and TV experience to bring our customers access to better TV and Wi-Fi,” Google Fiber wrote in an online statement. This package requires users to download the Google Home app for installation. Customers who choose not to upgrade will lose their Fiber TV service in April 2022, but their internet service will continue.
The Chromecast devices Google Fiber is offering allow users to view the internet on their TV, and connect to television sets through an HDMI port. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you will also need to buy an HDMI adapter in order to use Chromecast. If you already have a smart TV or a casting device, you don’t need to use the Chromecast equipment unless you want it.
Fiber TV boxes will become obsolete once TV service ends in April. Google Fiber recommends that customers recycle their old boxes. MRC Electronics Recycling is one place to recycle electronics in Kansas City. It’s located at 2000 East 19th Street.
What do you want to know about local services like TV and internet? Our Service Journalism team is here to find answers to your questions. Contact us at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out this form.
This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
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