AT&T plans to extend fibre-optic network roll-out
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AT&T plans to extend fibre-optic network roll-out

US telco AT&T is reportedly planning to extend the roll-out of its high-speed fibre-optic broadband service to additional cities in the US, following its launch in Austin, Texas, according to CEO Randall Stephenson.

AT&T’s first gigabit fibre-optic broadband network, which the company claims is 100 times faster than standard broadband internet access, is set to launch in Austin this week, and will coincide with a similar launch planned by Google in the city.

Stephenson, who was speaking at an investor conference in New York, said the company’s “Project Lightbeam” would launch this week, stating that “the economics of fibre deployment are really starting to look good in communities like Austin”.

Despite not disclosing the details of the proposed plan, Stephenson said that the company had identified more opportunities for Austin-type projects in the country.

Google has set the pace in the US for the roll-out of high-speed broadband networks, with telecoms groups across the country criticised for their slow deployment in the space.

The internet giant launched a similar service in Kansas City last year, and announced plans for Austin in April. It is also building a similar network in Provo, Utah.

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