AT&T has announced a $19 billion investment in California’s telecommunications infrastructure through 2030, aimed at expanding fiber broadband access, strengthening wireless coverage, and modernizing legacy network systems across the state.
The investment marks AT&T’s largest infrastructure commitment in California and forms part of a broader $35 billion network investment plan spanning 2021 to 2030. The company said the initiative will support growing demand for high-speed connectivity while enabling future technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and remote healthcare services.
As part of the plan, AT&T will extend fiber connectivity to more than 4 million additional homes and businesses by 2030, increasing its statewide fiber footprint to more than 9 million locations. The company also plans to add more than 1,200 wireless cell sites across urban, suburban, and rural communities to improve network capacity and coverage.
“Californians depend on and expect fast, reliable connectivity every day and AT&T is committed to delivering it,” said Susan Santana, State President of AT&T California. “By investing in newer, more reliable technology, we can deliver better service, reach more customers, improve our communities, and support California’s economy for years to come.”
The announcement follows recent federal policy changes designed to accelerate network modernization efforts. AT&T said the updated regulatory environment will help facilitate its transition away from aging copper infrastructure, which currently serves a small percentage of customers in the state.
Beginning on or after June 1, 2027, the company plans to phase out certain copper-based services in areas where fiber and wireless alternatives are available. AT&T said approximately 3% of the households it serves in California still rely on traditional copper phone services. The company stated that all affected customers will retain access to voice and emergency 911 services during the transition.
AT&T expects the modernization effort to generate environmental benefits. The company estimates the transition from copper networks will reduce annual electricity consumption by approximately 300 million kilowatt-hours by 2030, improving overall network efficiency.
The investment is also expected to support workforce growth. AT&T plans to hire hundreds of technicians across California to assist with fiber deployment, wireless network expansion, and copper network retirement projects. The company said it will continue investing in technician recruitment, training, and workforce development programs.
In addition to network upgrades, AT&T announced plans to expand digital inclusion initiatives across the state. The company will open six new Connected Learning Centers in 2026 and host more than 30 digital literacy workshops focused on internet skills, cybersecurity awareness, and mobile technology use.
AT&T also committed an additional $1.2 million in funding for California nonprofit organizations supporting digital inclusion, disaster preparedness, and community outreach programs. The funding builds on more than $2.5 million contributed by the company to California communities in 2025.
The California investment aligns with AT&T’s broader national strategy to reach more than 60 million fiber locations across the United States by the end of 2030. The company reaffirmed its previously announced 2026 financial and operational guidance alongside the announcement.
