Expanding and investing in broadband
One Million Illinois Fiber Locations — Built for the Speed of Life Today
Connecting Illinois to Greater Possibility
Expanding and investing in broadband
Connecting Illinois to Greater Possibility
April 22, 2026
At AT&T, we believe nothing is more powerful than connection.
Across Illinois, we see every day how connection helps businesses compete, students learn,
families access critical services, and first responders stay connected when every second
matters. It is also what links communities to opportunity—whether in Chicago, the suburbs or Downstate.
That is why AT&T continues to invest in Illinois with purpose. We are building advanced
communications networks, supporting public safety, helping expand digital access, and working alongside communities to strengthen the future of our state.
“Connection is more than technology—it is a pathway to opportunity for communities across Illinois.”
Eileen Mitchell
President, AT&T Illinois
Our People
Our commitment to Illinois starts with people.
Today, AT&T has more than 4,600 employees in Illinois, along with more than 15,400 retirees whose contributions helped build the strong foundation we continue to grow today. Together, they represent decades of service, innovation, and commitment to communities across the
state.
Our Investment
That commitment is matched by long-term investment. AT&T has invested nearly $4.8 billion in Illinois network infrastructure (2020-2024), helping strengthen the connectivity that residents, businesses, public safety agencies, and local governments rely on every day.
AT&T recently committed more than $250 billion over the next five years nationally to build the best and largest network, designed for the next wave of innovation and economic growth. We’re investing at the top of our industry to deliver unmatched coverage for more than 100 million customers on the nation’s largest fiber and wireless networks.
Building the Networks of the Future
Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential in modern life, and Illinois communities need
infrastructure that can support growth and innovation.
AT&T Fiber® is now available to more than 1 million customer locations in parts of more than
260 communities statewide. As of July 2025, AT&T has deployed more than 3.5 million total
fiber optics strand-miles in Illinois, helping create a strong foundation for the future.
At the same time, AT&T 5G is helping keep people and communities connected through fast, reliable, and secure mobile experiences.
4,600+ employees
and 15,400+ retirees across Illinois
~$4.8 billion
Invested in our Illinois network from 2020-2024
1+ million locations
AT&T Fiber® customer
locations available in Illinois
3.5+ million fiber optic
strand-miles deployed in Illinois as of July 2025
Supporting Communities Across the State
AT&T’s impact in Illinois extends beyond connectivity.
In 2025, AT&T operations within Illinois generated nearly $400 million in taxes to the state,
helping support public priorities such as infrastructure, education, public safety, and other
essential services.
Narrowing the Digital Divide
We are also committed to helping to close the digital divide.
Over the past five years, AT&T has invested more than $3.9 million in Illinois to support digital access efforts. During that time, we distributed more than 7,800 free laptops and iPads to students and families and opened three AT&T Connected Learning Centers in the state. These efforts are about helping more Illinoisans access the tools and resources they need to learn, work, and participate in today’s digital world.
Expanding Access and Affordability
Access to affordable internet service remains an important part of expanding opportunity.
Our Access from AT&T™ initiative helps eligible households connect at home with low-cost internet plans starting at $30 per month¹, including unlimited internet data and in-home Wi-Fi. By helping make home internet more affordable, we are working to ensure that more families can participate in online learning, job searches, telehealth, and other essential digital activities.
Strengthening Public Safety
Few connections are more important than the ones first responders depend on.
FirstNet®, Built with AT&T was created after 9/11 to help address the communications
challenges first responders faced in emergencies. Today, it is the first and only network built with and for public safety.
In Illinois, FirstNet is connecting public safety agencies and organizations in 1,260 localities
across the state. This secure and reliable connectivity helps support those who protect our
communities every day.
When emergencies happen, reliable communication is mission critical. Supporting public safety will always be one of the most important ways we serve Illinois communities.”
Eileen Mitchell
Looking Ahead
Illinois is full of communities with vision, resilience, and momentum. AT&T is proud to work alongside them—investing in advanced networks, supporting public safety, helping expand access, and connecting more people to greater possibility.
As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to help build a stronger, more connected future for Illinois. It couldn’t be more important. Because as we like to say, “Connecting Changes
Everything!”
~400 million
in Illinois local and state
taxes generated in 2025
$3.9+ million
invested to help address
the digital divide in Illinois
from 2021-2024
7,800+
free computers and devices distributed in Illinois since 2021
1,260
# of localities across the
state we’re connecting
public safety with FirstNet®
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.
¹Available in the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline home internet services.
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