Gigapower – the joint venture between AT&T and BlackRock – has announced that it is expanding its “state-of-the-art” fiber network to Okaloosa County, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
AT&T announced a similar expansion in August of 2022 as it moved into Mesa, Arizona. The company’s venture with BlackRock, the infrastructure giant that ushers in significant technological capital and expertise, began in May of 2023.
BlackRock brings significant expertise, capital and a commitment to invest in future-proof access technology led by best-in-class operating teams.
At the time, the AT&T CEO provided an optimistic attitude toward the venture.
“We believe fiber connectivity changes everything. That’s why we’re already one of the biggest investors in fiber in the United States,” said John Stankey, CEO of AT&T. “The demand for high-speed connectivity is unprecedented, and through this innovative partnership with BlackRock, one of the world’s foremost investors in infrastructure, we’re able to connect even more people and businesses, accelerating our efforts to help close the digital divide.”
AT&T also believes that their fiber product is the fastest on the market.
"With up to 5-Gigs of speed, AT&T Fiber is the fastest internet among major providers. Households with AT&T Fiber can enjoy consistent, high-performing broadband service, even when several devices are connected to the network at one time. AT&T Fiber will connect people choosing to work from home long-term, students needing access to internet for homework assignments, and families streaming multiple video programs and games," said the company.
Gigapower’s commercial wholesale, open access platform enables internet service providers and other businesses to access its multi-gig fiber network in select metro areas throughout the country, according to Business Wire.
Of the movement into Florida, Okaloosa Country Board Chair Paul Mixon was “excited” about the investment in the community.
“We are excited about the technology fiber/broadband investments being made in our community and applaud any efforts that bring high-speed Internet to the residents of Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chair Paul Mixon.
AT&T boasts that their fiber product has no compromise when it comes to the reliability and ability withstand large quantities of usage.
"With fast speeds and no data overage charges, AT&T Fiber can connect dozens of devices to the network at one time, without compromising performance, reliability, or speed. Plus, AT&T Fiber offers straightforward, simple pricing. That means unlimited data, no annual contracts, no price increase at 12 months and no equipment fees."
