China Mobile to build in Silicon Valley

China Mobile Communications Corporation, the world's largest mobile carrier by subscribers, has recently proposed building a big data center and connecting office in Silicon Valley.

China Mobile International Limited, a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of China Mobile, filed an application for a special use permit with the city of San Jose, California, on Oct 3. It is currently under initial review, Cassandra van der Zweep, an urban planner for the city, told China Daily.

The permit is to allow the demolition of existing buildings on site and the construction of a two-story, 217,000-square-foot data center with a connecting five-story, 65,000-square-foot office building, said van der Zweep. 

The existing office/R&D building at 6320/6340 San Ignacio sits at about 160,000 square feet. The project will be constructed in one phase on a site of approximately 7.5 acres. The office component will house approximately 200 employees, according to the application.

Under the Public Outreach Policy, this project would be considered a "large development proposal", as it is proposing over 100,000 square feet of office/industrial use, so a community meeting and a public hearing would be held, according to van der Zweep.

The project will be reviewed for its compliance with the city's general plan, zoning code and development policies and regulations. Additionally, an environmental analysis will be conducted, and fire, building, and public works will provide comments regarding the proposed project, she said.

According to Santa Clara County records, China Mobile International Infrastructure Inc purchased the property from Westcore Properties for $11,340,360 on Jan 31, 2018.

China Mobile International Limited did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company is currently hiring facilities engineers in data center design and construction and data center operations, according to social media platform Linkedin. 

Beijing-based China Mobile Communications Corporation in June announced a plan to build a globally leading fifth-generation (5G) network by combining 5G mobile communication technology with artificial intelligence and cloud technology.

Contact the writer at liazhu@chinadailyusa.com