AT&T has announced an investment plan of over $250bn in the United States over the next five years to strengthen its network infrastructure. The company plans to expand its fiber and wireless networks to respond to the rapid rise in data traffic linked to artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the growing number of connected devices. The group also said it would hire several thousand technicians this year to help build and maintain this infrastructure.

The investments will notably focus on accelerating fiber-optic deployment, developing home internet via 5G and satellite connectivity solutions. AT&T is notably working with AST SpaceMobile to improve coverage in rural or hard-to-reach areas. The group had already invested over $145bn in its mobile and fixed networks between 2019 and 2023.

The plan comes amid intensifying competition between telecom operators and cable providers in the broadband market. It also fits within federal programs stemming from the US infrastructure law passed in 2021, notably the BEAD program funded with $42.5bn.