AT&T commits $19 billion to upgrade California networks by 2030

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) announced a $19 billion investment commitment to upgrade California's telecommunications infrastructure through 2030, according to a company press release. The investment will focus on expanding fiber and wireless networks while transitioning away from copper-based systems.

The telecommunications company plans to bring fiber connectivity to more than 4 million additional households and businesses in California by 2030. AT&T also intends to add more than 1,200 new cell sites across the state to strengthen wireless coverage in urban, suburban and rural areas.

As part of the modernization effort, AT&T will begin discontinuing copper-based services, including traditional phone service, in parts of California starting June 1, 2027. The company stated that only 3% of its California households currently use traditional phone service. Customers will be transitioned to fiber and wireless alternatives during a phased, year-long process.

"With recent, forward-looking federal network modernization policies, we're able to make our largest-ever California investment commitment ($19 billion) as we transition away from copper networks," said Susan Santana, state president of AT&T California.

The investment represents $3 billion more than AT&T spent in California during the previous five-year period from 2021-2025, bringing total network investment in the state to $35 billion over the 10-year span from 2021-2030.

AT&T plans to hire hundreds of technicians across California to support the infrastructure expansion and copper network decommissioning. The company also committed $1.2 million to nonprofits focused on closing the digital divide and will open six additional Connected Learning Centers in 2026.

The company expects the transition to save 300 million kilowatt-hours annually by 2030 through more energy-efficient network technology. AT&T reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance and multi-year operational targets following the announcement.

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