Gigapower Taps Telecom Leader Francisco Maella to Steer Next Phase of Broadband Expansion – Breaking News
DALLAS, TX – November 2, 2024 – In a move signaling continued aggressive growth, Gigapower, the nation’s largest commercial open-access fiber network, today announced that Francisco Maella will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective November 3, 2025. This leadership transition comes as Gigapower rapidly expands its footprint, bringing high-speed internet options to underserved communities across the United States. This is a breaking news development for the telecommunications industry, and a significant indicator of the ongoing investment in fiber infrastructure.
A Seasoned Leader Takes the Helm
Maella, a 29-year veteran of the telecom world, brings a wealth of experience to Gigapower. Having previously served as CEO and CTO of Dobson Fiber, and COO of Alpheus Communications, he’s known for building and scaling successful network operations. His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet, particularly in areas where options have been limited. The company emphasized Maella’s expertise in private equity-backed portfolio companies, suggesting a continued focus on strategic investment and growth.
Smooth Transition with Founding CEO Bill Hogg
The change in leadership isn’t abrupt. Bill Hogg, Gigapower’s founding CEO, will work closely with Maella to ensure a seamless transition. Hogg, who spearheaded the company’s innovative commercial open-access model, expressed confidence in Maella’s ability to lead Gigapower through its next chapter. This planned handover minimizes disruption and underscores the company’s commitment to stability for its employees, customers, and partners. Hogg’s legacy lies in pioneering a model that allows multiple internet service providers to utilize Gigapower’s fiber infrastructure, fostering competition and choice for consumers.
What is ‘Open Access’ Broadband and Why Does it Matter?
Gigapower’s “open access” approach is a key differentiator. Unlike traditional internet service providers that own both the network and the services offered, Gigapower provides the physical fiber infrastructure, allowing other companies to deliver internet service to customers. This model has several benefits:
- Increased Competition: More ISPs competing for customers often leads to better pricing and service.
- Greater Choice: Consumers can select the provider that best meets their needs.
- Faster Deployment: Open access can accelerate broadband deployment in areas where building new infrastructure is costly or challenging.
This model is gaining traction as a way to bridge the digital divide and bring high-speed internet to rural and underserved communities.
Gigapower’s Rapid Expansion and Future Goals
Since its launch in 2023, Gigapower has already connected over 150 municipalities to high-speed broadband across nine states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Minnesota. The company, backed by significant investment from AT&T and Global Infrastructure Partners (a BlackRock company), is now focused on reaching 1.5 million fiber locations nationwide. This ambitious goal reflects the growing recognition of fiber optic technology as the gold standard for internet connectivity.
The Future of Fiber: Why This Matters for SEO and Google News
The continued expansion of fiber networks like Gigapower’s is not just a win for consumers; it’s also a significant factor in local SEO. Faster internet speeds enable businesses to improve their website performance, leading to higher search engine rankings. Furthermore, the increased availability of broadband supports the growth of online businesses and digital economies. For Google News, this story represents a key development in the infrastructure landscape, highlighting the ongoing investment in connectivity and the potential for economic growth. The demand for faster, more reliable internet is only going to increase, making Gigapower’s expansion a story to watch.
With Francisco Maella at the helm, Gigapower is poised to continue its rapid growth and solidify its position as a leader in the open-access broadband market. The company’s commitment to expanding access to high-speed internet promises to empower communities and drive economic development for years to come, and this leadership change signals a clear intention to accelerate that progress.
