News

AT&T has unveiled a strategy the telecom giant says will help maintain both 5G and fiber subscriber growth.

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

AT&T, the largest capital investor in connectivity infrastructure since 2019, has a new strategy to accelerate fiber broadband growth.

The company, which unveiled the strategy before their 2024 Analyst & Investor Day, also plans to expand their 5G footprint.

John Stankey, AT&T’s CEO, believes the strategy will position the telecom giant for long-term financial success.

In comments included with AT&T’s Dec. 3 announcement, Stankey called the strategy “bold.”

He said AT&T is “entering a new era of sustained growth.”

As part of the strategy, AT&T plans to see 300 million people covered by deep mid-band 5G spectrum by the end of 2026.

According to AT&T’s release, the company also expects to complete a 5G network modernization by 2027.

Coupled with those plans, the telecom giant is aiming to reach 50 million total locations with fiber before 2030.

“We’re putting customers first to become the best connectivity provider in America,” Stankey said. “Our plan expands the country’s largest fiber network to more than 50 million total locations, modernizes our wireless network and rewards our shareholders.”

As part of their strategy, AT&T plans to phase out most of their copper wireline operations by the end of 2029.

Additionally, AT&T will invest roughly $22 billion annually between 2025 and 2027 to achieve their strategy, the company’s release stated.

2024 outlook

For their 2024 outlook, AT&T expects to report over 7 percent growth in broadband revenue.

Meanwhile, AT&T’s outlook predicted wireline service revenue growth in the range of 3 percent.

This year, AT&T’s 2024 outlook reports the company will have spent “at the high-end of the $21 to $22 billion range” on capital investment.

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