21st Century Infrastructure Coming to Cupertino

Residents and businesses in Cupertino in the heart of Silicon Valley will be among the first in California – and among the first in the nation — to receive AT&T’s new ultra-fast GigaPower Internet broadband service, an example of the kind of digital upgrade the Bay Area Council is promoting as part of its 21st Century Infrastructure Initiative. AT&T California President Ken McNeely made the announcement this week with Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong, who said “Cupertino is leading the way in creating an environment that fosters innovation, and the deployment of ultra-high-speed broadband service will further support innovation in our community, spur our local businesses, and result in even greater economic development in our city.” The GigaPower service promises speeds of 1 gigabyte/second, fast enough to download 25 songs in one second or an HD online movie in less than 36 seconds.

McNeely is co-chairing the Council’s 21st Century Initiative, which is also focused on modernizing our energy infrastructure, along with PG&E CEO Tony Earley. A major component of the effort is identifying the public policies that will be necessary to encourage the private sector to invest in the new technologies that will benefit consumers, business and the economy. Many current policies are based on outdated technologies and create barriers for new investment. The Council is working to build understanding among government and elected officials about the importance of bringing public policy in line with technology. A report due out this fall by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute will explore this topic in detail. To engage in the Council’s 21st Century Infrastructure Initiative, contact Vice President Michael Cunningham.