AT&T has announced an expansion of its open-access fiber partnership with PRIME FiBER into Arizona. Targeting the Sun City and Peoria communities near Phoenix, this initiative aims to extend high-speed internet access to underserved areas in the U.S.
This new phase marks a continuation of AT&T’s converged growth strategy. This strategy integrates wireless and wireline services to deliver broadband experiences, utilizing third-party infrastructure to reduce network build costs. This allows faster deployment and lessens capital burden on AT&T.
PRIME FiBER, a wholesale open-access provider formed by NOVOS FiBER and supported by InLight Capital, has seen prior success with AT&T in Florida. Areas like Naples and Bonita Springs have experienced fiber deployment, with promising outcomes. PRIME FiBER enhances its role in closing the digital divide in this new Arizona initiative. “The expansion to Arizona is another milestone in our mission to expand fiber infrastructure,” said Andrew Snead, PRIME FiBER CEO, pointing to successful progress in Florida as a model.
The open-access approach enables AT&T to provide broadband services over other companies’ infrastructure, saving on capital expenditures. More U.S. telcos are embracing this model to expand fiber networks efficiently and cost-effectively. Supporting strategic goals, AT&T aims to bring fiber connectivity to over 30 million locations by 2025.
“We’re committed to expanding our fiber footprint through partnerships like the one with PRIME FiBER,” said Erin Scarborough, senior VP of Consumer Product at AT&T. This collaboration, she noted, ensures progress toward delivering advanced services across more homes.