AT&T to reach 51 metros with 1 Gig service by end of February

AT&T said it’s on track to reach 51 major metro areas nationwide with its 1 Gbps FTTH service by the end of February, bringing it another step closer to its goal to bring fiber to 12.5 million locations by mid-2019.

The service provider is moving forward with plans to offer FTTH services in parts of five new major metro areas.

Specifically, the five new areas include:

  • Columbia, South Carolina
  • Jackson, Mississippi
  • Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Shreveport, Louisiana

RELATED: AT&T says 30% of FTTH subs are purchasing 1 Gbps speeds

In Wisconsin, AT&T is addressing customer locations in parts of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Waukesha and surrounding communities.

The service provider said it plans to expand access to its 1 Gbps speeds in parts of West Allis at a future date.

AT&T said that it is currently marketing a 1 Gbps service to nearly 4 million customer locations. Out of that number, more than 650,000 locations are apartments and condo units.

1 Gbps acceptance growing

While AT&T has a long way to go until it meets its 12.5 million goal, the service provider has noted that in areas where it does offer the fiber-based broadband services, more customers are opting for this tier.

John Stephens, CFO of AT&T told investors during its fourth-quarter earnings call that while not every consumer wants 1 Gbps, a growing base of customers are taking this top tier.  

“30% of our customers are taking a Gig,” Stephens said.

While 1 Gbps FTTH service acceptance is growing, broadband is only one piece of AT&T’s fiber drive. Stephens noted that customers are bundling broadband with DirecTV video, satellite services, voice and wireless services.