Investing in our Communities
In Arkansas, we invested nearly $1.2 billion in our network infrastructure from 2019-2023 to connect more people to greater possibility.
Cities and communities throughout Arkansas are seeing the impacts of this investment, including:
- More than $550 million in the Little Rock area.
- More than $175 million in the Fayetteville area.
- More than $50 million in the Hot Springs area.
We understand how a connection can make the difference. That’s why our mission is to bring connectivity to everyone, no matter where they live or where they come from. We’re working to not only boost network reliability and capacity but also expand broadband nationwide to help bridge the digital divide.
Committed to expanding connectivity, our investment focuses on all facets of the network —including fiber, 5G and FirstNet ®, Built with AT&T.
- Expanding Access to Fiber: To help meet the demands for reliable, high-speed connections today – and in the future – we’re investing in our fiber network. With more than 1.5 million fiber miles in Arkansas, AT&T Fiber® is now available to more than 250,000 customer locations in more than 50 communities to date.
- With nearly 87 million fiber strand miles in 21 states, AT&T Fiber® now passes 26M+ locations in more than 100 metros nationwide.
- AT&T Fiber provides speed, reliability and value for consumers and businesses to enhance their internet experience for applications like video conferencing, virtual learning, telehealth, gaming and more.
- Unlocking the Power of 5G: From rural communities to urban areas, our overall wireless voice and data network covers more than 99% of all Americans, including Arkansas. Our 5G network today reaches more than 295 million people in more than 24,500 cities and towns across the U.S. with our mid-band spectrum available nationwide, covering more than 210 million people.
- We’re expanding our 5G network in communities across the state so more people can have access to reliable connectivity.
- Giving First Responders the Reliable Connectivity they Need: As America’s public safety communication partner, we are expanding and enhancing FirstNet to give the public safety community better access to their network.
Setting the stage for first responder innovation over the next 10 years, the FirstNet Authority announced a series of strategic investments totaling more than $8 billion into FirstNet. The latest network investment of $6.3 billion will enable AT&T to deliver a standalone FirstNet 5G core, provide always-on priority and preemption across all AT&T 5G commercial spectrum bands and build 1,000 new FirstNet sites across the country over the next two years.
- In Arkansas, we’re connecting public safety agencies and organizations in more than 200 communities across the state.
- We’ve rolled out Band 14 on more than 900 sites across Arkansas to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it.
And, we’re not just investing in our network, we’re also investing in our communities. AT&T recently announced it’s committing an additional $3 billion by 2030 to help close the digital divide, bringing the company’s total commitment to $5 billion since 2021.
- The Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs received a $50,000 contribution from AT&T to help low-income and underserved children ages 6-18 with training in critical digital skills, including online safety, digital privacy, digital citizenship, and basic keyboarding and typing skills. The contribution also supports the Club’s Digital Lab and other digital literacy training. We also gave 165 laptops to Ft. Smith students and families as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide. The laptops were funded by an AT&T donation to Human I-T.
Good news is always great to share. Here are a few highlights from the last year in Arkansas:
- November 7, 2023 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in North Little Rock: A new site in North Little Rock enhances coverage and capacity along the I-30 and I-40 interchange and in neighborhoods of North Little Rock along Pike Avenue and into Levy. “People of all ages rely on their wireless devices more than ever before – for teaching and learning, telehealth, work, entertainment or simply staying connected with friends and family. I’m glad to see AT&T has enhanced its wireless network here in North Little Rock. The coverage is important to everyone who lives in, works in or visits our community,” said North Little Rick Mayor Terry Hartwick.
- November 7, 2023 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Forrest City: A new site enhances coverage and capacity in Forrest City and west along I-40. “We know that Forrest City is the Jewel of the Delta, where we are working every day to make sure it is a great place to raise a family, start or expand a business, and enjoy the many amenities of our area. AT&T’s new cell site will keep our entire community, including our first responders, better connected,” said State Senator Reginald Murdock.
- April 1, 2024 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Coal Hill: The new site improves coverage, capacity and speed around U.S. Highway 64 and Styles Road. “We rely on mobile connectivity more each day – for business, teaching and learning, recreation, and more,” said Aaron Pilkington, Arkansas State Representative. “And it’s a critical tool for our public safety personnel who keep our communities safe. AT&T’s new site in Coal Hill is great news for our area.”
- April 1, 2024 | AT&T Upgrades Wireless Network and Boosts Speeds in Sheridan: The new site improves coverage, capacity and speed around South Rock Street, County Road 167059 and Lake Brown. “Connectivity is key to helping our communities thrive,” said Julie Mayberry, Arkansas State Representative. “AT&T’s new site in Sheridan is welcome news for everyone who lives or works in, visits, and protects our community.”
To keep up with all the latest updates from AT&T Arkansas follow us on X @ATTPublicPolicy and visit Attconnects.com/Arkansas.
*FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
*About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.
