David Cox: Google Fiber transformation

Early in my career, I worked for Eastman Kodak and witnessed the transforming power of technology. When I joined the company, Kodak employed more than 60,000 in Rochester, N.Y. Today Kodak employs fewer than 2,300. Film is virtually gone.

Today we are witnessing another transformation: Google Fiber. This technology will quite likely lead to distributed jobs. With very high data rates, we will see greatly expanded use of video and audio.

Virtual meetings and, more important, virtual work places will become a reality. Not only will people work from home, I predict that remote work centers will pop up – offices with immersive work environments that will allow people to work near their homes. Teams scattered around the city and the world will be the new normal.

The long-range implication for city planning is that the spoke and wheel model will go away. City cores might no longer be necessary as won’t the daily commute in and out of that core. There will be greater emphasis on livable neighborhoods with sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, soccer fields, swimming pools and neighborhood-sized services.

Technology has transformed industries. We need to prepare as it transforms our cities.

This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 5:35 PM with the headline "David Cox: Google Fiber transformation."