Investing in Connection and Community Across Missouri

Craig Unruh – President, AT&T Missouri
May 16, 2024
Community Impact


Investing in Connection and Community Across Missouri

Investing in our Communities 

In Missouri, we invested nearly $4.6 billion in our network infrastructure from 2019-2023 to connect more people to greater possibility. 

Cities and communities throughout Missouri are seeing the impacts of this investment, including:

  • Nearly $4 billion in the Greater St. Louis area (Includes portions of Illinois) 
  • More than $850 million in the Kansas City area (Includes portions of Kansas) 
  • More than $25 million in Jefferson City area 
  • More than $45 million in the Joplin 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. 

“Since the beginning of our administration, our goal has always been to put people first, and we’ve accomplished this by focusing on two key priorities: infrastructure and workforce development,” Missouri Governor Mike Parson said. “Quality internet access is a major focus of our infrastructure goals, and we’ve invested heavily into closing the digital divide once and for all. Thanks to partners like AT&T and its investment in our state, we are connecting more people and communities to the vast resources and opportunities available online.” 

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 3 million fiber miles in Missouri, AT&T Fiber® is now available to more than 600,000 customer locations in more than 125 communities.  
    • With nearly 87 million fiber strand miles in 21 states, AT&T Fiber® now passes 26M+ locations in more than 100 metros.
    • 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 Missouri. 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 working with businesses from manufacturing to healthcare to create new innovations and increase efficiencies with AT&T 5G. 
    • 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 Missouri, we’re connecting public safety agencies and organizations in nearly 300 communities across the state. 
    • We’ve rolled out Band 14 on nearly 1,400 sites across Missouri 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. 

  • To help bridge the digital divide in Missouri, we’ve launched several initiatives, including: 
    • We opened our second AT&T Connected Learning Center in St. Louis – and the 38th in the nation – in April 2024. Read more here 
    • We teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland in Poplar Bluff to provide 168 laptops to area students in need. It’s part of our AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide in Missouri and across the country through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption.  
    • In October 2023, we opened our 30th Connected Learning Center within the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL). On that same day, we worked with the Urban League to distribute 300 laptops to students and families in North St. Louis. 

Good news is always great to share. Here are a few highlights from the last year in Missouri. AT&T continues to expand 5G network across the state. 

  • October 4, 2023 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Carroll County: A new cell site in downtown Carrollton enhances coverage and capacity in the area.
    “In today’s connected society and economy, communication and connectivity are vital,” said Missouri state Rep. Peggy McGaugh (District 7). “Announcements like this are important because they highlight the commitment of private industry to continue investing here, supporting the quality of life which we enjoy and helping us attract new jobs and economic growth.” 
  • October 19, 2023 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Festus: A new site in Festus improves coverage and capacity west of I-55 and around the local golf club and events center.
    “As a career educator, I know how important mobile broadband connectivity is for our kids, allowing them to access lessons and other educational materials inside and outside of the classroom. AT&T’s new site in our community is not only great for education, it’s another tool to help our residents and first responders be better connected,” said State Senator Elaine Gannon.  
  • November 8, 2023 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Vienna: A new site in Vienna improves coverage and capacity along Route 42 near Farm Service Road and Fly Creek.
    “In addition to serving in the legislature, my work as a law enforcement officer and in social services has reinforced for me the importance of mobile broadband service. Mobile connections are critical – and sometimes life-saving. I appreciate AT&T’s work to expand wireless coverage in our communities,” said State Rep. Bennie Cook.
  • January 4, 2024 | AT&T Expands 5G Network in Sullivan: A new site in Sullivan improves coverage and capacity around Euclid Ave., Church Street and Clark Street in Downtown Sullivan. Dave Hinson, 2nd District Commissioner, Franklin County, said: “As a first responder, I know how critically important mobile connectivity is to those who protect our communities. I’m glad AT&T is investing to keep our communities connected.

To keep up with all the latest updates from AT&T Missouri, follow us on X @ATTPublicPolicy and @ATTPolicyMO.

 

*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.   

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