What's Happening?
AT&T reported significant growth in broadband subscribers for the third quarter of 2025, driven by its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and fiber services. The company added 270,000 Internet Air customers and 288,000
fiber subscribers, marking its highest total broadband net additions in eight years. AT&T's consumer broadband net adds exceeded expectations, reflecting strong demand for its services. The company is deploying EchoStar's 3.45GHz mid-band spectrum to expand Internet Air's reach, aiming to cover two-thirds of the U.S. population by mid-November. AT&T's fiber base grew to 10.12 million subscribers, with plans to deploy fiber to 60 million locations by 2030.
Why It's Important?
AT&T's expansion in FWA and fiber services is crucial for maintaining its competitive position in the broadband market. The growth in subscribers indicates strong consumer demand for high-speed internet, which is essential for supporting digital activities and remote work. The deployment of mid-band spectrum will enhance AT&T's network capacity, improving service quality and customer satisfaction. This expansion poses challenges for cable operators struggling to improve broadband subscriber trends, highlighting the competitive dynamics in the telecommunications industry.
What's Next?
AT&T plans to continue expanding its fiber and FWA services, with a goal of deploying fiber to 60 million locations by 2030. The company is also working to increase access for small and mid-sized business customers, leveraging its third-party channel partners. As AT&T moves forward with its copper network shutdown initiative, it aims to retain DSL subscribers through Internet Air and gain new customers ahead of future fiber rollouts. These efforts are expected to further strengthen AT&T's market position and drive growth in broadband services.
