AT&T has pledged to invest more than $250 billion over the next five years to expand and harden its fiber, 5G, and satellite networks nationwide.
The funding is described as a bold move to meet growing demand for always-on connectivity and to enable future technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
CEO John Stankey framed the pledge as a way to boost U.S. connectivity competitiveness and to expand access to AT&T’s leading fiber and wireless networks—the best way to get online.
As part of the plan, AT&T highlighted a satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile to extend coverage into remote areas and said it will strengthen FirstNet, the public-safety network built with and for first responders.
Security and innovation were cited as pillars of the plan, with AT&T scaling network security and AI-driven threat intelligence, opening its network to new equipment suppliers, and deepening collaboration with public-sector partners to bolster national resilience.
The company also foresees thousands of technician hires in 2026; with roughly 110,000 U.S. employees today, AT&T notes that only a fraction of roles require a four-year degree, stressing a continued emphasis on training and upskilling, as part of a long-term push to keep the nation’s digital infrastructure competitive.