AT&T is accelerating its expansion in the fiber internet market, aiming to reinforce its position as a leading provider in the U.S. With a recent major acquisition and bold growth targets, the company’s latest announcements at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference highlight its ambitious roadmap for the coming years.
AT&T Strengthens Fiber Network with Lumen Acquisition
The acquisition of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business marks a pivotal step for AT&T Fiber. Announced as completed on February 2, this deal has instantly grown AT&T’s fiber customer base by over 1 million subscribers and expanded its infrastructure by more than 4 million fiber locations. Now, AT&T’s fiber services stretch across 32 states, significantly boosting its reach and potential customer base. This expanded footprint positions AT&T to deepen its penetration in newly acquired markets and meet growing demand for high-speed internet nationwide.
Expanding Nationwide Fiber Reach and Service Capabilities
With its acquisition complete, AT&T now reaches over 36 million fiber locations—a leap from the previous 32 million. The company expects this number to surpass 40 million by the end of 2026 and hit 60 million locations by 2030. This accelerated deployment will allow AT&T to offer advanced fiber and wireless services together in over half the country. Customers who subscribe to both fiber and 5G services enjoy improved connectivity and are more likely to remain loyal. Key benefits of AT&T’s integrated approach include:
- Increased access to fast and reliable home internet
- Enhanced opportunity to bundle fiber and wireless offerings
- Higher potential for AT&T to win market share in connected homes
Financial Outlook and Growth Plans Through 2028
AT&T remains confident in its multi-year financial guidance. The company has reiterated its goals for improved EBITDA, earnings per share, and free cash flow through 2028. Additionally, AT&T plans to return over $45 billion to shareholders between 2026 and 2028 in dividends and share repurchases. After its transaction with EchoStar, AT&T expects net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA to rise to approximately 3.2x but aims for this ratio to decrease to around 3x by the end of 2026. The company is committed to reducing leverage to the 2.5x range within three years of closing the acquisition, targeting sustainable growth and consistent capital returns.
In summary, AT&T Fiber is making significant strides to solidify its leadership in fiber connectivity. Through strategic acquisitions and robust expansion plans, the company is set to bring faster, more reliable internet to millions. As it continues to combine advanced fiber and wireless services, AT&T is positioning itself as the provider of choice for the connected home of the future.
Don’t miss our latest Startup News: YOFC Unveils Groundbreaking Hollow-Core Fibre at MWC 2026
