Silicon Valley has earned its reputation as the epicenter of global innovation. This region has consistently pushed boundaries and opened doors, from artificial intelligence breakthroughs to world-changing startups. As president of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how access to technology and opportunity can transform lives, especially for our youth pursuing high-demand STEM careers.
But while we innovate at the cutting edge, far too many of our neighbors remain offline.
Thousands of residents in Santa Clara County still lack access to high-speed internet. That’s not just a technical oversight — it’s a systemic failure. Broadband access is no longer a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure, as vital as clean water or reliable electricity.
The stakes are growing. AI, high-resolution media and cloud-based applications have dramatically increased demand for faster, more reliable connections. When access lags, low-income families, students and small businesses suffer further.
This digital divide is widening in the very region that claims to lead the future. It’s time to change that.
5G technology offers a path forward. By efficiently placing fiber optics with new innovative technology and adding compact equipment on existing utility and lighting poles, it allows us to quickly and efficiently expand access across neighborhoods without disruptive infrastructure projects. However, policy barriers and permitting delays continue to stall progress.
Local governments must act boldly to eliminate these obstacles and prioritize equitable connectivity.
If we’re serious about inclusion and economic growth, we must ensure all communities have the tools to thrive in a digital world. Innovation without access is inequality by another name.
Silicon Valley’s future depends on all of us being connected to it.
Ron Gonzales is president and CEO of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and former San Jose mayor.
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