Deploying Affordable, Always-On Connectivity for the Future

Copper networks are unable to support today’s connectivity needs and are increasingly unreliable, especially as copper theft continues to be a prevalent issue across the state. Newer technologies also have built-in security to protect consumers and businesses from spam calls and fraud and are significantly more energy efficient.

Fiber and wireless are the foundation for what’s next, providing the necessary infrastructure to support AI and data intensive applications, from remote health care to autonomous vehicles. Our $19 billion commitment includes:    

Bringing fiber to an additional 4 million+ households and businesses in the state by the end of 2030, to reach 9 million+ fiber locations with the most advanced technology. 
Expanding and strengthening our statewide wireless network with additional spectrum and adding more than 1,200 cell sites by the end of 2030, including in rural, suburban and urban communities, to support increasing network traffic.
Fiber and wireless networks are easier to restore and better equipped to support emergency communications and modern 911 services. Strengthening our wireless coverage also means enhanced coverage for public safety through FirstNet®, Built with AT&T. 
Through this transition, we expect to save 300 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually by 20301, delivering a more energy efficient network for California. The avoided emissions are equal to those from using 17 million gallons of gasoline2. 

Supporting our Traditional Phone Customers 

We are committed to a thoughtful transition – all while ensuring no customer loses access to voice or 911 service.

Modern, innovative products like AT&T Phone – Advanced and AT&T Business Voice were developed with our traditional home and business phone customers in mind. These products work just like a traditional phone but use the latest, reliable technology and have battery backup.
With AT&T Phone – Advanced and AT&T Business Voice, customers can keep their phone number, and these work with their existing phones, fax machines, home alarms, and medical monitoring machines.
We’re providing our California customers with more options and discounts to easily upgrade to modern, affordable services.
For our traditional home phone customers in these areas, we’re offering AT&T Phone – Advanced for free for 3 months.
For existing California LifeLine customers, we’re offering an additional discount to upgrade to AT&T Phone – Advanced.

Strengthening our Workforce

Building California’s connectivity backbone requires a highly trained workforce. With this investment, we’re committed to creating jobs to build the infrastructure of the future.

Increased investment in new, more reliable connectivity supports good-paying jobs and long-term workforce continuity within the state.
AT&T is hiring hundreds of technicians to support fiber expansion and copper decommissioning as we deploy and enable future technology.
We commit to recruiting, upskilling, and training more skilled technicians that are needed to build and maintain essential telecommunications infrastructure.

Connecting California’s Communities 

We’re expanding Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) and digital skills training to help more Californians get online. CLCs offer access to high-speed internet, computers, and digital literacy resources for Californians, including tribal communities, students, and older adults statewide. AT&T commits to:

Opening six additional CLCs and hosting more than 30 digital literacy workshops across the state in 2026, including sessions for older adults to learn internet basics, cybersecurity awareness and tips, and mobile device skills.
This year, we’re committing an additional $1.2 million to nonprofits across California focused on closing the digital divide, disaster preparedness, and support for older adults and tribal members. This supports CLCs and organizations helping connect those who need it most, and is in addition to the more than $2.5 million  AT&T contributed in 2025 to communities and organizations across California to help close the digital divide.

With this commitment, AT&T will keep building the network Californians rely on, delivered with the best technologies, so every community has access to high-speed connectivity.

Reaffirming 2026 and Multi-Year Financial Guidance

The $19 billion commitment represents expected investment, supported by updated federal policies, and also supports AT&T’s plans to reach more than 60 million fiber locations across the U.S. by the end of 20303. AT&T reiterates all 2026 and multi-year financial and operational guidance and capital return plans shared during its first-quarter 2026 results.