AT&T (T) NSR/BCG Global Connectivity Leaders Conference - New York summary

Customer-centric network priorities

• Focus on reliability, consistency, and lowest dropped call rate, especially for first responders.

• Capacity is prioritized due to rising demand from AI and video, with ongoing wireless modernization and mid-band spectrum simplification.

• Efficiency and cost reduction are driven by open architecture and AI-enabled optimization.

• Investment decisions are guided by customer experience, device needs, and use case diversity.

Network strategy and convergence

• Building two scaled platforms: a nationwide 5G wireless network and a metropolitan multi-gig fiber network covering 36 million units.

• Converged network strategy enables multiple access technologies on a unified fiber backbone, supporting consumer, enterprise, and wireless backhaul.

• Network modernization pushes convergence to the network edge, enhancing service flexibility.

• Fiber remains the lead offer in 32 markets, with fixed wireless serving areas lacking fiber or requiring interim solutions.

• Rapid deployment of new spectrum expanded fixed wireless reach to 23,000 cell sites.

AI evolution and enterprise opportunities

• AI is increasing upstream network demand, especially with new devices and applications like autonomous vehicles.

• Enterprise demand for high-speed, low-latency services (400G+) is rising, with fiber connections to 600 data centers.

• AI agents and physical AI (drones, robots) will require deterministic, always-on network experiences.

• The network is positioned as AI-ready, leveraging low-band spectrum and open architecture for real-time adaptation.