AT&T pledges $14 billion to build out networks over 3 years
updated 11:59 am EST, Wed November 7, 2012
AT&T outlines long-term plan to bring mobile, wired broadband to more US residents
Despite an FCC-imposed $700,000 fine just yesterday, AT&T has just detailed plans to invest $14 billion over the next three years to build out its wireless 4G LTE and wireline broadband networks and bring them to more of the population. The carrier promises 250 million US residents will have access to its high-speed mobile broadband offering by the end of 2013, growing to 300 million by the end of 2014. The investment plan is being called Project Velocity IP (VIP), and also includes wireline investment.
The $14 billion will be split, with $8 billion earmarked for wireless expansion and the rest going to the wireline network. The goal for the wired IP broadband network is to offer it to 75 percent of customer locations in the US by the end of 2015.
Fiber service is meant to be available to one million business locations while the combination of Internet, TV, and VoIP phone services AT&T calls U-verse is to increase by 8.5 million to 33 million locations, also by the end of 2015. U-verse speed upgrade is also planned to increase to 75Mbps.
Project VIP also paves the way to expand current and future initiatives such as AT&T Digital Life, Mobile Premise Solutions (a wireline voice service alternative), Mobile Wallet (working with ISIS mobile wallet), and Connected Car solutions in partnership with auto manufacturers.
