AT&T Confident in 2030 Fiber Expansion Target Amid Competitive Broadband Market

Fiber Expansion on Track

AT&T CEO John Stankey has expressed confidence in the company’s target to deploy fiber to 60 million premises by 2030, according to recent reports. The telecommunications giant has reportedly passed the halfway point of this goal, with fiber broadband revenues growing 16.8% year-over-year to $2.2 billion in Q3. Sources indicate the carrier added 288,000 fiber net subscribers during the quarter, reinforcing its position in the broadband market.

Fiber Expansion on Track
Navigating a Competitive Landscape
Strategic Acquisitions Bolster Growth
Fixed Wireless Access Complements Fiber
Financial Performance and Outlook

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Analysts suggest the U.S. fiber market is becoming increasingly crowded, with estimates pointing to industry-wide plans for 110 million fiber locations. However, Stankey emphasized AT&T’s focus on execution during an earnings call, stating, according to reports, that the company is building “more effectively than anybody else.” He highlighted challenges such as permitting and supply chain issues that could delay competitors’ projects, positioning AT&T to potentially reach customers first in targeted areas.

Strategic Acquisitions Bolster Growth

The report states that AT&T’s fiber expansion has been supported by strategic acquisitions, including the planned $5.75 billion purchase of Lumen’s mass-market fiber business, which covers over 4 million locations across 11 states. This move is expected to enhance AT&T’s footprint when the deal finalizes next year. Additionally, the carrier’s recent $23 billion acquisition of EchoStar’s wireless assets is reportedly accelerating its transition away from copper networks, with spectrum deployment already underway to improve 5G performance and support Internet Air growth.

Fixed Wireless Access Complements Fiber

As AT&T phases out its copper network by 2029, sources indicate that Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will play a crucial role in areas where fiber isn’t immediately feasible. Stankey noted that Internet Air, which added 270,000 customers last quarter, is being deployed in regions without fiber infrastructure. The carrier is reportedly using newly acquired spectrum to expand this service, aiming to cover nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population by mid-November and increase availability in sales channels by 2026., according to industry analysis

Financial Performance and Outlook

For Q3, AT&T reportedly posted revenue of $30.7 billion, a 1.6% increase driven by mobility and consumer wireline segments. The carrier also added 405,000 postpaid phone net subscribers, with churn at 0.92%. Analysts suggest that AT&T’s diversified approach—combining fiber, FWA, and strategic acquisitions—positions it to compete effectively against rivals like Verizon and T-Mobile. Stankey concluded, according to reports, that he “would not change position with any company in this industry,” citing the company’s asset base and strategic initiatives.