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March 11, 2009
AT&T to Invest $17 Billion in Broadband Connectivity in 2009
By Raju Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor
In line with its 2007 capital expenditures of $17.7 billion, AT&T reportedly will invest $17 billion to $18 billion in 2009.
According to AT&T (News - Alert), the investment exceeds the investment from any other telecom companies in the world.
As customers and service providers harness the possibilities of mobile Internet, companies such as AT&T are all set to invest in developing infrastructures that support these services. 3G service is fast becoming the next generation technology as people are increasingly accessing Internet on their mobile devices.
As AT&T looks to offer more coverage, speed and capacity, about two-thirds of AT&T’s 2009 investment will extend and enhance the company’s wireless and wired broadband networks. Although the company plans to reduce jobs, primarily in its wireline business, it plans to add nearly 3,000 jobs in 2009 in the broadband and video segment. The company’s broadband investment priorities include multiple projects designed to enhance its 3G network.
“Demand for broadband continues to grow as new applications emerge and customers embrace them, leading to data traffic on our network growing more than 50 percent year over year on average,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We recognize the continuing importance of investing in critical network infrastructure, which plays a key role in driving commerce, innovation and job growth.”
AT&T aims to use its GSM/HSPA network to further increase the nation’s fastest 3G speeds. The company is also expanding its wired broadband access and IP/MPLS backbone networks. With current plans calling for the network to pass 30 million living units in 2011, A&T states that it continues to build its AT&T U-verse footprint.
The company also recently announced its 2009 Oklahoma expansion plans. AT&T believes that the expansion of AT&T technologies and its initiatives in new markets further demonstrates AT&T’s commitment to provide Oklahoma with a stronger, expanded network and the newest technologies and features.
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
Raju Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Raju’s articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Michael Dinan
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