DURHAM, NC – City officials ratified an agreement with AT&T to bring ultra-fast Internet access to residents and businesses in Durham. AT&T will provide U-verse with GigaPower over a fiber network with speeds capable of up to 1 Gbps.
The agreement stemmed from a North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN) initiative. The NCNGN is comprised of six cities, four leading universities, and local business leaders working to encourage development of high-speed broadband networks in the state.
The plan outlines potential fiber deployments to deliver ultra-fast broadband to parts of Durham. AT&T U-verse with GigaPower will deliver advanced TV services to Durham residents and businesses for the first time, and Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than what is available today.
Increasing Collaboration Across Industries
“We’re pleased that AT&T is choosing Durham to roll out their next round of U-verse with GigaPower,” said Wanda Page, deputy city manager of the city of Durham. “Our national reputation as a center for advanced medical research and care is built on cutting-edge technology in the hands of gifted physicians and researchers. A network of this magnitude would expand those capabilities and increase collaboration across industries.”
This investment by AT&T is in addition to its ongoing investment to expand its fiber network to tens of thousands of North Carolina residents and businesses over the next two years. In addition, similar AT&T U-verse with GigaPower plans, related to the NCNGN initiative, are currently approved in Winston-Salem and pending ratification in four other North Carolina areas — Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
“We’ve already received great input from North Carolinians eager for the fastest available speeds,” said Venessa Harrison, president, AT&T-North Carolina. “This ultra-fast fiber build will help foster innovation, enhance education and encourage growth.”
