What’s the news?
AT&T* plans to bring its award-winning, high-speed fiber internet service to Northeastern Pennsylvania. AT&T Fiber is expected to be available to select local residents and businesses in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region later this year.
This is made possible through the Gigapower, LLC joint venture between AT&T and BlackRock, through a fund managed by its Diversified Infrastructure business. Gigapower plans to provide a state-of-the-art fiber network to internet service providers and other businesses in parts of select metro areas throughout the country using a commercial wholesale open access platform.
Why is this important?
Wilkes-Barre is undergoing a major revitalization, with a bustling downtown workforce that is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From industry to innovation, Scranton is now home to a growing downtown business district, several institutions of higher education and a strong healthcare system.
As business owners and residents need more broadband and upload speeds, AT&T Fiber can provide the connectivity needed to power the way the Greater Wyoming Valley region works, studies and plays.
What are people saying?
“AT&T is working to become the broadband provider of choice,” said David Kerr, State President – AT&T Pennsylvania. “We are excited to harness Gigapower’s fiber network to provide more access to the robust connectivity that comes with a high-speed, reliable and secure network. Northeastern Pennsylvania helped propel our nation’s growth during the industrial revolution. Today, AT&T Fiber will help the region and its residents better compete in the digital revolution. We look forward to working with business, government and community leaders to connect these communities as quickly as possible.”
“BlackRock is pleased to collaborate with AT&T to help bring critical broadband services to more communities in Northeast Pennsylvania through our Gigapower joint venture,” said Mark Florian, Global Head of BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure business.
“The Wyoming Valley’s manufacturing, arts and entertainment, and healthcare sectors, coupled with a solid foundation of higher education institutions and a growing visitor base, make our community vibrant and progressive.” said Lindsay Griffin, president & CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. “AT&T’s investment into our community will provide enhanced capacity for fiber to assist in building long term solutions to the needs of our people, allowing them to connect, work and learn for decades to come and assist in the strategy to attract more businesses and residents who believe our region is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
“We’re working every day to create opportunities for the region’s businesses and residents. Simply put, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow business throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, said Bob Durkin, president, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Having AT&T Fiber in our region will help further propel our growth and be a hub of opportunity for the entire region.”
Why AT&T Fiber?
With fast speeds and no data overage charges, AT&T Fiber can connect dozens of devices to the network at one time, without compromising performance, reliability or speed. Plus, AT&T Fiber offers straightforward, simple pricing. That means unlimited data, no annual contracts, no price increase at 12 months and no equipment fees.
Residents can be the first to know when AT&T Fiber is available in their area by visiting: att.com/NotifyMe
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