KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
You could end up getting a better deal on your cable and internet bill, even if you don't get the new Google service. That is if two local companies have their say.
Getting people to sign up for their home internet or cable is a competitive business and lately the buzz has been all about the super fast Google Fiber coming to Kansas City. But two other communication giants are feeling left out, saying local leaders have offered Google special incentives that should be offered to everyone in the market.
Time Warner Cable is speaking up about special deals local governments in Kansas City, KS, and Kansas City, MO, gave to Google Fiber.
"We have to really ensure that we have an opportunity to work with cities and have a level playing field - that's what this is all about," said a spokesperson for Time Warner, Michael Pedelty.
AT&T officials wrote a big article in the Kansas City Star saying, "We believe what's good for Google should be good for the gander, so to speak, and that regulations should be modernized to allow all companies to invest in products and services people want."
KCMO Assistant Manager Rick Usher described some of the benefits that were offered to Google to lure them to come to Kansas City.
"We waived fees for work in the right of way, excavation permits, traffic control permits during construction. There is some space that we're allowing their engineering company to use in a city facility and there are city sites were their fiber huts are going to be located throughout the city," Usher said.
Usher said, by law, they have to provide the same incentives offered to Google to other companies, which is why Time Warner will now be refunded $27,000 in permit fees they paid to KCMO.
The assistant manager for the city said they are working on negations with both cable and internet companies.
"We're not playing favorites, we are talking to both companies now and those statements were made before conversations started with the city, so we are happy to meet with them and discuss the real benefits that can come to the city," Usher said.
Pedelty said, in the end, it's the consumer who wins when companies are allowed to improve their network in a market.
"Anytime you get into efficiencies, you are talking about less cost and those really do benefit the customers," he said.
Officials with Wyandotte Unified Government declined to go on camera. They said they are working on talks right now with Time Warner Cable that will benefit them and the city.
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