Following its initial deployment of its GigaPower service in the Los Angeles area in December, AT&T reported today that it’s now available to tens of thousands of locations. This brings speeds of up to 1 Gbps to more homes, apartments and small businesses in parts of Eastvale, Irvine, Los Angeles, Orange County and surrounding communities.

AT&T will continue to expand its GigaPower network to additional locations in the area, and says it is planning to triple availability there by the end of the year.

“Eventually, we plan to make our AT&T GigaPower presence in the Los Angeles area one of the largest in the country. Additional local communities where we are planning to bring AT&T GigaPower include Arcadia, Glendale and more,” the company reports in a statement.

One of the city leaders who has been behind L.A.’s Internet access growth is praising the expansion, and points to ultra high-speed broadband as a way the area can attract and grow small businesses.

“High-speed Internet has become as essential of a utility as water, power and gas, for education, economic development, entertainment and day to day life in Los Angeles,” Councilmember Bob Blumenfield observes. “I’m very happy to see this expanded AT&T service to help support job growth in small business and provide fast connections for families and students at home.”

Eric Boyer, SVP of AT&T wireless and wired product marketing says that demand and sales of the GigaPower service have exceeded expectations since arriving in the Los Angeles area at the end of last year.