Google announced the details of pricing and availability of Google Fiber in July. Google Fiber could be transformative for the whole region and the region is embracing Google Fiber in a big way. Despite an offer by the tech giant's Google Fiber operation to virtually give away some Internet service to customers, the areas most lacking in online connections also appear the most likely to be left behind in Kansas City's leap ahead on a light-speed network. Two weeks remain for dozens of neighborhoods to sign up enough potential customers to qualify for Google's service before a Sept. 9 deadline.

"We're thrilled that some local organizations want to encourage widespread Internet access by helping with the Google Fiber pre-registration process," Google spokeswoman Jenna Wandres said. "That being said, people should only pre-register if they intend to get Google Fiber service." In its agreement with the two city councils, Google said it would give free service to up to 430 locations in Wyandotte County and Kansas City. The cities picked the buildings. Google then drew "fiberhood" boundaries. Next, it set the percentage of pre-registering households needed to qualify a neighborhood for service. Depending on the neighborhood, the pre-registration goals range from one in 20 homes to one in four. Wandres, the Google spokeswoman, said the company has 60 people in Kansas City now trying to sign up enough residents to get more neighborhoods to qualify for its service.