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John Stankey outlines ambitious plans to drive network evolution, meet surging data demands, and redefine connectivity with fiber at the core.
AT&T CEO John Stankey has unveiled an ambitious vision to expand the company’s fiber footprint to over 50 million locations by the end of 2029. Speaking at an investor event on December 3, Stankey emphasized his confidence in fiber becoming a ubiquitous technology and a cornerstone of connectivity by the end of the decade.
A Milestone in Fiber Deployment
AT&T’s roadmap to achieve 50 million fiber passings includes 45 million from organic deployments and an additional 5 million from its Gigapower joint venture with BlackRock Alternatives, along with partnerships with open-access providers. This expansion is on track, with AT&T expecting to hit 29 million fiber locations by the close of 2024.
Reflecting on the journey, Stankey highlighted that AT&T’s fiber deployment began in the mid-1980s. By the time it reaches its target in 2030, the rollout will have spanned 45 years—a timeline that, while significant, is approximately half the duration it took for copper networks to achieve similar reach.
Why Fiber, Why Now?
Driving AT&T’s aggressive fiber strategy is a seismic shift in data consumption patterns. Stankey revealed a 70% surge in mobile bandwidth demand since 2020, with projections for an additional 80% increase over the next five years. This growth is fueled by emerging technologies such as AI, 4K streaming, user-generated content, and AR/VR applications.
Stankey noted that fiber offers unmatched advantages over alternatives like RF and satellites, including superior latency, scalability, resiliency, and cost-efficiency. He underscored fiber’s critical role in AT&T’s plans to phase out its copper infrastructure, positioning it as the ultimate solution for future-proof connectivity.
A Vision for Network Convergence
According to Stankey, future networks will transcend the traditional boundaries of fixed and mobile categories, centering instead on fiber as the foundational infrastructure. Various access technologies will integrate seamlessly into this fiber backbone, reflecting AT&T’s vision for network convergence and market leadership through 2030.
5G Expansion and Shareholder Returns
Beyond its fiber ambitions, AT&T plans to expand its 5G network to cover over 300 million points of presence (PoPs) by the end of 2025, with satellite technology addressing areas beyond terrestrial reach. Complementing these technological advancements, AT&T has committed to returning over $40 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases over the next three years.
Redefining Connectivity for the Next Decade
As AT&T continues its march toward a fiber-centric future, the company is poised to meet the demands of a data-driven world while delivering unparalleled connectivity. Stankey’s vision underscores the company’s readiness to lead the way in shaping the networks of tomorrow, ensuring they are faster, more resilient, and more capable than ever before.
