Consumers in the Phoenix area stand to benefit from a deal announced with AT&T and Lumen, which operates as CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber in 11 states including Arizona. AT&T has agreed to acquire the majority of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business for $5.75 billion. 

LOCAL NEWS: 100 best places to work and live in Arizona for 2025

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

The move is part of AT&T’s larger commitment to invest in local communities and bring much needed high-speed internet connectivity to millions of Americans. AT&T previously announced the availability of its fiber service in the East Valley in October.

“We’re leading the race to connect more Americans with fiber, the best broadband connectivity technology available,” said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T. “This deal with Lumen represents a significant investment in U.S. connectivity infrastructure that will create jobs and spur economic activity in numerous regions and major metro areas across 11 states.”

The agreement, which is pending regulatory approval, would also broaden local internet choices for Arizona residents by offering high-speed 5G wireless and fiber broadband services together through one provider. AT&T expects to reach 60 million total fiber internet locations across the country by the end of 2030.  

Key Takeaways:

  • AT&T will acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business, which today totals about 1 million fiber customers and reaches more than 4 million fiber locations across 11 U.S. states.
  • AT&T reiterates full-year 2025 financial and operational guidance and share repurchase plans.

Serving more Americans with the best connectivity experience

The transaction will enable AT&T to significantly expand access to AT&T Fiber in major metro areas like Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle, as well as additional geographies. AT&T expects this transaction to deliver significant value to consumers, shareholders and the Company. Highlights include:

  • Expanding the availability of AT&T Fiber. AT&T expects to significantly grow the number of AT&T Fiber customers within the acquired fiber footprint, using its extensive distribution, the strengths of AT&T Fiber, and the value of the AT&T Guarantee. Over time, AT&T expects to increase fiber customer penetration within the acquired footprint to levels more consistent with its current penetration of AT&T Fiber.
  • Accelerating an efficient build engine for constructing fiber home internet connectivity outside of AT&T’s traditional wireline operating region. Through this transaction, AT&T will gain access to Lumen’s substantial fiber construction capabilities within its incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) footprint and plans to accelerate the pace at which fiber is being built in these territories. AT&T now expects to reach approximately 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2030 – roughly doubling where AT&T Fiber is available today.
  • Giving American consumers more choice when selecting broadband and wireless services the way they prefer – with fiber and 5G together. Customers with both AT&T Fiber and the Company’s wireless services are more likely to recommend AT&T, remain customers longer and provide the best returns. AT&T expects that its ability to offer 5G wireless and fiber broadband connectivity within Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber footprint will enable the Company to grow its base of high-value converged customer relationships and drive gains in its Mobility business.