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AT&T commits to fiber build-out

AT&T has committed to build out its fiber network to cover 11.7 million households. The announcement comes as part of the proposed AT&T-DirecTV merger, which is currently under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review.


Pending the merger's approval AT&T commits to extend its fiber network to 11.7 million customers within 4 years of the merger's closing, to provide the FCC with frequent progress reports on the build-out's status, and to comply with annual audits by independent auditors, approved by the Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau.


This commitment follows an earlier promise to provide low-price broadband to low-income households. AT&T executives told the Commission that the company would offer stand-alone broadband for as low as $5 per month. As Broadcasting & Cable note: “AT&T execs promised that where AT&T speeds currently exceed 3 Mbps, it would offer wireline DSL service up to 5 Mbps for $10 for the first 12 months, increasing to $20 per month for the next three years” and where it offers speeds below 5 Mbps, “AT&T will offer a wireline DSL service of 1.5 Mbps for $5 per month for the first 12 months, and $10 per month for the next three years.”

AT&T’s Supplemental Response to FCC Information and Discovery Requests (FCC, June 24, 2015)


AT&T Offers Low-Cost, Low-Income Broadband (Broadcasting & Cable, July 8, 2015)