AT&T to invest $250bn to expand and enhance networks

Press Release: Posted by Harry Baldock, AT&T (NYSE: T) is proud to announce an investment and spend of more than $250 billion in the future of U.S. advanced connectivity, building the high-speed networks and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.

Building on the legacy of founder Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call 150 years ago, AT&T is reaffirming its leadership as the company driving America’s connected economy so every community, family, and business can participate in the promise of American progress.

“Today, we’re committing more than $250 billion to increase U.S. connectivity competitiveness and expand access to AT&T’s leading fiber and wireless networks – the best way to get on the internet,” said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T. “Current Federal telecommunications policy is as strong as I’ve seen in my career, making our commitment to invest possible. We look forward to serving American communities and businesses for the next 150 years.”

What began with a single copper wire has evolved into the nation’s largest converged network of fiber internet and 5G wireless services, connecting people at home, at work, and on the go.

This next chapter of investment and long-term operating commitment builds on that foundation through three strategic areas: deploying always-on connectivity, investing in people and communities, and innovating to secure America’s connected economy. The current tax and regulatory environment are the most conducive to such investment in decades.

Deploying Always-On Connectivity

Ubiquitous networks that provide reliable, always-on connectivity are the critical conduits that make Artificial Intelligence, autonomous technologies, cloud computing, and data-heavy digital services possible. AT&T’s investment will expand future-ready fiber and wireless services, modernize critical infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience and security to support communities and the economy for decades to come, including:

• Accelerating the deployment of fiber, 5G home internet, wireless and satellite across urban, suburban, and rural America

AT&T’s satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will extend coverage into remote areas.

• Strengthening FirstNet, Built by AT&T – the nation’s first and only network built with and for first responders – and modernizing vital infrastructure for public safety and resilience

With AT&T Dynamic Defense, we deliver the only network connectivity with comprehensive built-in security controls.

• Laying the groundwork for the next wave of American technological leadership through smart infrastructure and network optimization

AT&T’s Wi-Fi Personalization provides a tailored home experience that matches our customers’ daily habits, and AT&T Turbo Live allows customers to boost their data experience at live events to get the reliable connection they want, even in crowded venues.

Investing in People and Communities

Building the nation’s connectivity backbone requires dedicated, highly trained people. With approximately 110,000 U.S. employees today, AT&T will continue investing in America’s workforce, including supporting the largest unionized workforce in the U.S. telecom industry, with a focus on training and development.

Investing in education through connectivity also strengthens communities. When workers can train locally, communities retain talent, families gain stability, and local economies grow stronger. These are mission-critical roles that keep networks running safely and reliably – work that depends on skilled technicians, engineers, and customer-facing experts that will remain essential as technology evolves. Focus areas include:

• Recruiting and training more skilled technicians that are needed to build and maintain essential telecommunications infrastructure
• Hiring thousands of technicians in 2026 alone; Only 5% of jobs at AT&T require a four-year degree
• Investing in training, upskilling, and career pathways to keep roles current as tools and technology change – including AI fluency
• Supporting American families with competitive wages, employee benefits and exceptional wellness programs, and long-term financial security

Innovating to Secure America’s Connected Economy

As connectivity becomes more essential, so do trust, security and continued American leadership in innovation. AT&T will continue investing in technologies that advance and protect the connected economy, including:

• Scaling network security and AI-driven threat intelligence
• Enabling the next wave of American invention across industries by opening up our network to allow new entrants to innovate and supply telecommunications equipment.
• Strengthening collaboration with public-sector partners to support national resilience and first responders
• Supporting America’s leadership in global technology and innovation

With this commitment, AT&T will keep building the network Americans rely on, whether delivered by fiber, wireless, or satellite, so more people and businesses have access to fast, reliable connectivity. It’s the foundation for what’s next, from remote care, to autonomous vehicles to AI, and it will help keep America connected for the next 150 years.Join AT&T and the US connectivity ecosystem in discussion at Connected America 2026 AT&T to invest $250bn to expand and enhance networks - Total Telecom

Read More........ → March 20, 2026

Electric vehicles: what to know if you’re considering an EV

Most EV drivers charge at home a few times a week. Fast chargers are used on longer trips. Zaptech/Unsplash

Hussein Dia, Swinburne University of Technology Soaring petrol prices are once again making many Australians think seriously about switching to an electric vehicle.

As politicians warn Australians not to resort to panic buying, finding constructive ways to reduce your petrol costs and cut carbon emissions has become increasingly appealing.

The strikes on Iran have seen prices of Brent crude – the global oil benchmark – trade around US$104 (A$150) per barrel, up from roughly US$68 (A$96) a few weeks earlier. There is no clear end in sight for the current crisis.

The good news is buying and owning an electric car is becoming much easier as more models arrive in Australia and charging networks expand. But there are still a few things worth considering before making the switch.

What should you look for when choosing an EV?

Choosing an electric vehicle is not very different from choosing any other car. Size, price and safety features still matter.

But there are a few additional things worth checking.

The first is driving range, which is how far the vehicle can travel on a full battery. Most new EVs sold in Australia offer between 300 and 500 kilometres of range, which is more than enough for typical daily driving.

It is also worth looking at charging capability. Some vehicles can accept faster charging speeds than others, meaning they can recharge more quickly when using high-power public chargers. This can make a difference on long trips.

Finally, check the battery warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties of eight years or around 160,000km, providing reassurance about long-term battery performance.

For most buyers, the key is simply choosing a vehicle that suits their everyday driving needs.

How To Buy The Right Electric Car.

Check how much you drive

An important question to ask when choosing an electric vehicle is: how far do you usually drive each day?

Most Australians drive far less than they think. Car passenger kilometres per person have reduced from a peak of 13,184 in 2004 to 10,238 in 2024–25.

That’s roughly 28km per day, meaning many drivers could go several days between charges with today’s EVs. Most new models now sold in Australia have a real-world driving range of 300–500km on a full battery.

In practice, many EV owners simply plug their car in at home overnight once or twice a week.

Most EV drivers charge at home a few times a week. Fast chargers are used on longer trips. Zaptech/Unsplash

Do you need to install a charger at home?

Many people assume installing a home charger is essential, but that is not always the case.

Electric vehicles can be charged from a standard household power point. This is the slowest method, but it can still add 10–15km of range per hour of charging. At that rate, a 12-hour overnight charge could give you up to 180km.

Many owners choose to install a dedicated wall charger instead. These typically cost A$1,000–2,000 plus installation. These charge much faster, allowing most vehicles to fully recharge overnight.

Fast chargers are useful, but usually not for everyday charging. Public fast chargers are designed mainly for longer trips.

These high-power chargers can add 150–300km of driving range per hour, depending on the vehicle and type of charger.

They are very convenient for highway travel but usually cost more than charging at home. Public fast charging can range from around 50 to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is still cheaper than petrol, but the savings are smaller than charging at home.

Many EV owners only use public chargers occasionally, not every day.

EV drivers in Australia will come across three different charger speeds. Here’s how they work.

How much should you charge the battery?

Another common question is whether EV batteries should always be charged to 100%.

For everyday driving, many manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 20% and 80% most of the time. This helps maximise long-term battery health.

A fully charged battery is generally under more stress. However, charging to 100% shortly before a long trip is fine. Modern EV battery management systems are designed to protect the battery automatically.

In practice, drivers quickly develop simple routines, often charging overnight a few times per week.

How much could you save on fuel?

One of the main reasons drivers consider switching to an EV is the potential saving on running costs.

Electric cars are typically cheaper to run because electricity costs less than petrol and electric motors are far more energy efficient than combustion engines.

Home charging is also the cheapest way to run an EV. Electricity for overnight charging typically costs 20–30c per kilowatt-hour, which can translate to around $3–5 per 100km of driving.

By comparison, fuel-efficient petrol cars typically consume 6–8 litres per 100km and cost $14–18 to drive that distance at current fuel prices.

That difference can add up quickly over a year. Online tools, such as our public EV payback calculator, allow drivers to compare different vehicles and test how savings change depending on electricity prices, fuel costs and driving distance.

What if you live in an apartment or unit?

Charging can be more complicated for people living in apartments or units, but options are expanding quickly.

Many new residential developments now include shared EV charging infrastructure in car parks. Some apartment owners are also installing chargers in their individual parking spaces where building rules allow it.

Workplace charging is another growing option. Many employers are beginning to install chargers for staff vehicles, allowing drivers to top up their battery during the day.

Public charging networks are expanding across Australian cities. While these chargers typically cost more than home electricity, they provide an important option for drivers without dedicated parking or charging access at home.

As EV adoption increases, improving charging access for apartment residents is becoming a major focus for building managers and policymakers.

Where next?

The decision to switch to an electric vehicle has never been more straightforward. Ranges are longer, models are more affordable, charging networks are expanding and running costs are lower than ever.

As petrol prices remind Australians of their exposure to global oil markets, the case for making the switch gets stronger.

For most drivers, the question is no longer whether an EV could work for them – it is simply a matter of when.

Hussein Dia, Professor of Transport Technology and Sustainability, Swinburne University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........ → March 19, 2026