AT&T says it will offer its ultrafast Internet and entertainment service in Google’s backyard of Cupertino, Calif. AT&T is ramping up its GigaPower network in the Triangle, other metro areas in North Carolina, and across the country while Google Fiber offers its service in select markets.

The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Silicon valley media.

“AT&T’s gigabit internet beats Google Fiber to Silicon Valley,” says the headline at Engadget.

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“Well, this has to be awkward: the first company to bring gigabit internet to Silicon Valley isn’t Google, it’s AT&T,” wrote Timothy Seppala.

“The telco’s ultra-high speed U-verse service will land in Cupertino in a few months, meaning that Apple employees (or any other subscribers in the area) will be able to test AT&T’s claim that you can download 25 songs in a single second sometime soon. …

“For its part, Google has plans to expand Fiber’s rollout into nearby San Jose, but when that’ll happen is anyone’s guess — maybe this could, ahem, speed that along.”

In fact, Cupertino will be the first city in California to receive gigabit Internet.

AT&T is promising an all-fiber network capable of delivering up to 1 gigabit Internet speeds, far exceeding cable. 

How fast is 1 gigabit, AT&T, asks? Its answer:

  • Download 25 songs in one second
  • Download your favorite TV show in less than 3 seconds
  • Download an HD online movie in less than 36 seconds

“Cupertino is proud to be the first city announced in California set to receive the ultra-high-speed AT&T GigaPower network,” said Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong in AT&T’s announcement.. “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. We are very pleased to work with AT&T to offer this unprecedented service to our residents and small businesses.”

Prices, services and deployment dates will be announced later.

The Triangle is on AT&T’s deployment list as part of the North Carolina Next Generation Network initiative. Greensboro and Charlotte as are targeted.