In the past few weeks, private-sector and public-sector visions have unfolded for the United States’ 21st-century information infrastructure. The business version has drawn rallies with hundreds of enthusiastic supporters in the Tri-Counties while the broader government plan has generated reserved optimism.

Google announced in February that it will install for fiber a city of 50,000 to 100,000 people free of charge, and the cities of Ventura and San Luis Obispo have jumped at the chance to submit a proposal by March 26.

In mid-March, the Federal Communications Commission unveiled a plan to bring 100-megabit download speeds to 100 million Americans, a more ambitious effort that technology leaders say has a hazier future because Congress will have to be involved.

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