AT&T says it plans to install ultra-fast fiber networks in 100 cities across America, with connection speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps). Twenty-one metropolitan areas are planned for the initial roll out.
According to AT&T U-verse, it is liaising with local leaders across the nation to seek out ways to bring its 1-Gbps connection speeds to individuals and businesses nationwide.
In a press release, AT&T wrote:
“The fiber network will deliver AT&T U-verse with GigaPower service, which can deliver broadband speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second and AT&T’s most advanced TV services, to consumers and businesses.”
The service was initially rolled-out in Texas (Dallas and Austin) and North Carolina (Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham).
AT&T U-verse says it would like to supply the following cities as well: San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, San Antonio, St. Louis, Orlando, Oakland, Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Houston, Jacksonville, Greensboro, Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Cleveland, Chicago, Charlotte, Augusta, and Atlanta.
AT&T says it is interested in communities that have adequate network facilities and show the strongest investment cases based on predicted demand and the most receptive policies.
Lori Lee, senior executive vice president, AT&T Home Solutions, said:
“We’re delivering advanced services that offer consumers and small businesses the ability to do more, faster, help communities create a new wave of innovation, and encourage economic development.”
“We’re interested in working with communities that appreciate the value of the most advanced technologies and are willing to encourage investment by offering solid investment cases and policies.”
AT&T’s rollout may rival Google’s
A number of cites targeted by AT&T mirror those Google has selected for its fiber broadband service deployment. Google has already started supplying its service to customers in Kansas City, which is also on AT&T’s list.
Google is also targeting Atlanta, San Jose, and Raleigh-Durham.
Much faster than cable can offer
AT&T U-verse utilizes state-of-the art IP technology and a fiber-optic network which provides much more than cable can offer. “It transforms the user experience for consumers and business users and is an essential part of AT&T’s commitment to fiber infrastructure.”
AT&T’s planned expanded service of U-verse with GigaPower is part of the company’s Project Velocity (VIP) investment plan to enhance and expand its wireline and wireless IP broadband networks to support rising customer demand for ultra-fast Internet access, mobile, cloud, and advanced TV services.
AT&T emphasized that this expanded fiber network plan will not impact on its capital investment plans for this year.
Heather Burnett Gold, President of Fiber to the Home Council Americas, an advocacy group, said:
“Fiber in the Americas is on fire! Around the world – but importantly, here in the U.S. – we are beginning to see fiber to the home treated not as a novelty, but as vital public and private infrastructure.”