AT&T signs $1bn fibre supply deal with Corning 

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The deal will support AT&T’ ongoing fibre network rollout 

AT&T has signed a multi-year deal with glass specialist Corning to supply the fibre optics and related technology to help expand its high-speed broadband network to more communities across the US.  

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but it is estimated to be worth in excess of $1 billion. 

As Corning’s biggest customer, AT&T will have priority access to Corning’s products.  

The move also aligns with federal initiatives like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which require the use of locally sourced technology. 

“As data and bandwidth requirements continue to grow, Corning is committed to the work of ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed fiber connections,” said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO of Corning in a press release. 

“By extending our longtime relationship with AT&T, we’re helping bring the transformational benefits of fiber to more people and communities. We share a fundamental belief that the more people you connect, the more value you create. And optical fiber is bringing people together at an unprecedented scale,” he continued. 

The BEAD program is a US federal initiative to expand high-speed internet access across underserved and rural areas of the country. Part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it provides $42.5 billion to help states build broadband infrastructure and improve internet affordability. 

A key part of BEAD is the requirement to use mostly US made materials, boosting local manufacturing and jobs. The program aims to bridge the digital divide, making reliable internet accessible to all communities. 

Last week, AT&T reported its Q3 annual results, which showed that operating revenues were down 0.5% to $30.2 billion. Over 403,000 monthly bill-paying wireless phone subscribers were added in the quarter, above industry estimations, and 226,000 fibre business customers. Despite being held back by the two hurricanes that hit the US last month, AT&T still managed to pass 200,000 new customers for its 19th consecutive quarter. 

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