AT&T launches fiber broadband in Vanderburgh County
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AT&T is preparing to launch fiber broadband in Vanderburgh County as part of a countywide, $39 million network deployment. AT&T says it will bring fiber to more than 20,000 locations throughout the rural county, where about one-third of homes, farms and businesses previously did not have access to fixed broadband service.
Last year, the Vanderburgh County Commission inked plans with AT&T to bring fiber broadband to the county. The county has contributed nearly $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and AT&T invested the remaining $29.7 million.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring high-speed, reliable broadband to communities across the country,” said AT&T CEO John Stankey. “Combining public sector funding and private sector investment is the most cost-effective way to ensure more Americans are able to take advantage of robust connectivity. This type of public-private partnership can serve as a model to help close the digital divide once and for all.”
County officials have also recently agreed to extend the network to 90 other locations.
“If you live in a big city, you probably take your high-speed internet for granted. But it’s a different story in rural parts of the country,” said Cheryl Musgrave, Vanderburgh County commissioner. “Fortunately, through this collaboration with AT&T, thousands of our rural neighbors will have a new story to tell, because they’ll also have access to fiber-powered broadband.
The project is scheduled to be completed by November 2023.