AT&T and Corning announced on September 29, 2026, that they had signed a multi-year agreement worth over $3 billion. Corning will supply AT&T with the optical fiber and optical cable needed for its network expansion. As AI drives the growth of data demand, it will bring fast and reliable Internet to more Americans.

Key points of the agreement

AT&T signed a multi-year agreement with Corning to provide AT&T with the optical fiber and optical cable it needs to bring fast and reliable Internet to more Americans when demand grows. Optical fiber is the gold standard of home Internet. AT&T Fiber can provide speeds three times faster than satellite services and has the capacity to handle people’s streaming, work, gaming, video calls, creation, and use of AI today, while reserving space for the future. The powerful combination of AT&T fiber optic and wireless enables customers to easily connect at home, in the workplace, and when on the go. Satellites will supplement these networks by helping to expand connectivity in approximately 2% of remote areas that may not be covered by fiber and wireless. This agreement supports the US economy by building upon AT&T’s investment in critical connectivity infrastructure and its fully unionized frontline workforce, as well as Corning’s extensive US advanced manufacturing business and US made products.

Terms of Agreement

AT&T (NYSE: T) and Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW) have signed a multi-year agreement worth over $3 billion. Corning will supply the optical fiber and optical cable required by AT&T to expand the network. As AI drives the growth of data demand, it will bring fast and reliable Internet to more Americans.

Why is it important

Americans are using more data than ever before. Currently, the average monthly usage of AT&T Fiber by households exceeds 1 terabyte, which is five times higher than in 2016. This number is expected to continue to rise. With streaming media, gaming, video calls, cloud services, and AI occupying a larger proportion in daily life, the monthly average usage is expected to reach 2 to 2.5 terabytes by 2030.

Why choose fiber optic

Fiber optic is the only technology that can meet the growing demand for data. It can quickly and reliably carry everything from video calls and movie streaming to commercial applications, AI tools, real-time camera footage, and near real time information. This provides families, businesses, and communities with the speed and capacity they need today, while reserving space for the future.

AT&T connects at anytime, anywhere

With the largest wireless and fiber optic networks in the United States, AT&T has a unique advantage in maintaining connectivity among people in all 50 states and around the world. Fiber optic provides a high-capacity foundation for connecting homes, businesses, and communities, while wireless maintains connectivity in people’s daily movements. Satellites supplement these networks by extending connections to remote and hard to reach areas. These technologies work together to create the seamless connectivity experience that customers are increasingly looking forward to.

Agreement Connecting the United States

The agreement with Corning helped AT&T fulfill its commitment to bring fast and reliable Internet to 60 million Americans by the end of 2030. This means that more people can access the connections they need today, tomorrow, and future generations. Corning’s solution helps AT&T accelerate network deployment and significantly improve installation efficiency.

John Stankey, chairman and CEO of AT&T, said: “Optical fiber is still the gold standard for excellent Internet connectivity, and AT&T is the national leader in optical fiber. The speed, reliability, and capacity of fiber optics are still unparalleled for any household or enterprise. We deeply value our long-term and successful relationship with Corning and look forward to continuing our collaboration to expand the country’s largest fiber optic network and make the long-term investments needed to maintain connectivity in the United States.”

Investing in US infrastructure

This collaboration is built upon the US investments of two companies. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call, AT&T has pledged to invest over $250 billion over five years to strengthen the connectivity infrastructure in the United States. As Corning celebrates its 175th anniversary, it continues to expand its fiber optic and cable manufacturing in the United States, including creating hundreds of jobs at facilities in North Carolina.

Wendell Weeks, Chairman, CEO, and President of Corning, stated, “Corning has worked alongside AT&T for generations to connect the people of this country, and this agreement is the next chapter in this partnership. By combining our large-scale, US based advanced manufacturing with AT&T’s network leadership, we can continue to innovate together, build dense fiber optic networks that will drive connectivity for the future, while maintaining thousands of high skilled US jobs and strengthening domestic supply chains. ”

The agreement combines these investments: Corning’s US workforce produces fiber optic, while AT&T technicians – the industry’s largest union representing the workforce – build and maintain networks connecting homes, businesses, and communities across the country. These jobs provide competitive salaries, benefits, health plans, and long-term financial security for American families. The two companies jointly strengthen the domestic supply chain and support high skilled American manufacturing and online employment.

AT&T reiterates its financial outlook and capital allocation plan provided in its 2026 Q2 earnings report, which reflects the financial impact of this agreement and AT&T’s commitment to expanding and strengthening connectivity infrastructure in the United States. AT&T and Corning are helping more Americans stay connected in their most important moments – at home, at work, and when they go out.