Every day in Illinois, connection quietly powers the moments that move our state forward — a small business serving customers, a manufacturer keeping production on schedule, a student logging in to learn, or a first responder communicating when every second matters. 

Powering those connections requires considerable infrastructure investment and a team of committed experts in the field. At AT&T, that’s what we do.   

From 2021 through 2025, AT&T invested more than $4.6 billion in our Illinois wireless and wireline networks. This long-term investment is expanding access to broadband, strengthening public-safety communications and helping Illinoisans participate in today’s economy. Our field team members take pride in delivering these world-class services to customers who live around the block or across the state. 

A significant part of our work is expanding AT&T Fiber. With approximately 3.5 million fiber miles in Illinois, AT&T Fiber is now available to more than 1 million customer locations in 265 communities. Fiber provides the fast, reliable connectivity that supports growing businesses, remote and hybrid work, advanced manufacturing, education and everyday life.

The state’s leading business voices recognize that investments in modern connectivity are essential to the state’s economic competitiveness and long-term growth.

“Economic growth requires modern infrastructure,” said Christy George, president and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation. “AT&T’s $4.6 billion investment demonstrates the kind of long-term commitment that helps Illinois compete for jobs, attract investment, and create opportunity in communities large and small throughout our state.” 

“Manufacturers depend on reliable connectivity to power production, logistics, innovation, and workforce development,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Investments like AT&T’s help create the infrastructure Illinois manufacturers need to compete globally and grow locally.”

Connectivity is also essential for Illinois retailers, whose businesses increasingly depend on reliable digital tools to serve customers, manage inventory, and process transactions. Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said: “For retailers, connectivity is vital; it is fundamental to serve customers, manage inventory, process transactions, and keep their businesses moving. From a neighborhood store to a statewide employer, reliable broadband helps Illinois retailers meet customers where they are and compete in an ever-changing economy. AT&T’s continued investment in Illinois strengthens that foundation for retailers and the communities they serve.” 

“The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is grateful for AT&T’s commitment to our region and to the state-of-the-art connectivity that drives Chicago-area businesses and helps them compete every day,” said Jack Lavin, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “AT&T’s continued investment in Illinois is strengthening the connectivity companies rely on today while helping position the region for future growth, innovation, and opportunity.” 

Our investment also supports communications for first responders. FirstNet was created after 9/11 to address critical communications challenges and is the first network built with and for public safety. Today, FirstNet connects public-safety agencies and organizations in more than 1,260 Illinois localities.

We are also working to help more Illinoisans benefit from connectivity. Over the past five years, AT&T has distributed more than 8,000 free laptops and iPads to Illinois students and families and opened three AT&T Connected Learning Centers in the state. In a season when affordability is on everyone’s minds, “Access from AT&T” offers eligible households low-cost internet plans starting at just $30 per month.

We are proud of the progress we are making in Illinois. More importantly, we remain focused on what comes next: building the connectivity Illinois needs to compete, innovate and create opportunity in communities across our state.