Kathleen Evans, Regional Director – External Affairs, AT&T
As Charlotte’s economy continues to grow, AT&T is scaling its fiber and 5G investments to match the region’s rising population, expanding employer base, and escalating data needs. In an interview with Invest:, Kathleen Evans, regional director of external affairs at AT&T, discussed Charlotte’s industry mix and strong leadership that “makes it a great place for AT&T to invest and maintain a strong presence.”
How is Charlotte’s recent momentum shaping AT&T’s investment strategy?
Charlotte’s momentum over the last few years has been extraordinary. The city is attracting new residents, employers, and investment, and we still see cranes on the horizon. As Charlotte grows, so do the connectivity needs of its communities. At AT&T, we are investing in our fiber and 5G networks to support growing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity. That demand is only increasing, so we are focused on building a modern communications network that can support Charlotte today and well into the future.
What makes Charlotte and North Carolina such important markets for AT&T?
At AT&T, we have been investing in North Carolina communities for more than 146 years, and we are proud to have a large employee base right here in Charlotte. I am especially proud of the work our employees are doing to connect more North Carolina businesses, and residents to greater possibilities. Charlotte’s unique mix of financial services, technology, healthcare, and logistics, combined with strong civic leadership and a highly skilled workforce, makes it a great place for AT&T to invest and maintain a strong presence.
How is AT&T responding to surging demand for high-speed connectivity and AI-ready networks?
We are proud to be part of America’s long tradition of invention and innovation. What began with a single copper wire has evolved into the nation’s largest converged network of fiber internet and 5G wireless services.
Earlier this year, AT&T announced an investment of more than $250 billion in the future of U.S. advanced connectivity over the next five years. That investment reflects our commitment to helping power America’s connected economy and ensuring that more people, businesses, and communities have access to fast, reliable connectivity. Whether through fiber, wireless, satellite, or a combination of technologies, our goal is to continue building the network Americans depend on every day. That network will be essential to enabling the innovations of the future — from remote healthcare and autonomous vehicles to artificial intelligence and the next generation of digital experiences.
We know that access to high-speed internet is a critical driver of economic opportunity, so we are investing in modern communications infrastructure that meets the demands of a 21st-century economy. In North Carolina, we invested more than $3.2 billion in our network from 2021 to 2025 to build more infrastructure and power more opportunity.
Our fiber network offers a fast, long-term broadband solution that provides the modern communications infrastructure communities need today while building possibilities for tomorrow. From rural communities to urban areas, we’re investing in our 5G network to give residents, businesses, and visitors a boost in their wireless connectivity. We see 5G as the most transformative wireless technology yet, with the potential to spark innovation in transportation, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
With data usage steadily increasing, fiber and 5G together form the foundation for meeting that demand. When it comes to AI specifically, it is extremely data-intensive and requires fast, secure access and speedy data transfer. That means it depends on a modernized network built with fiber, connectivity, and security. Outdated networks built on copper can mean slower speeds and less reliable connectivity, which increases processing time. AI is changing the way we do everything, and its impact will reach all industries and corners of our lives. AT&T has been at the forefront of these technologies for generations, and we are committed to continuing to invest in our networks to deliver innovative, connectivity-driven solutions for North Carolina communities.
What is AT&T doing to close the digital divide in Charlotte and across North Carolina?
At AT&T, we’re not just investing in our network; we’re also investing in our communities. We understand how important it is for North Carolina students and families to have access to connectivity and digital resources that enhance learning opportunities, support job-skilling programs, and enable access to vital resources. Our AT&T Connected Learning Centers are a key part of our strategy to help close the digital divide. These community technology centers, housed within local nonprofits, provide students, families, and learners of all ages with free access to high-speed internet, computers, and digital resources. Last year, we opened a Connected Learning Center in Charlotte at the Urban League of Central Carolinas, just on the edge of Uptown. It is the first one in Charlotte and the second one in North Carolina (the other is located at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County in Raleigh). They offer career-readiness programming, resume-building workshops, digital skills training, GED classes, and other technology-focused activities that help North Carolinians thrive in today’s digital world. We have also collaborated with nonprofits, community colleges, and other organizations to provide access to technology and digital resources that support online education, digital skills development, and career preparation. Since 2021, we have distributed nearly 3,000 computers and Wi-Fi hotspots to students and families across the state. All of this is part of our broader focus on helping bridge the digital divide.
What are AT&T’s regional priorities and long-term vision for Charlotte’s digital future?
Over the next few years, our priorities center on becoming the best connectivity provider through fiber and 5G. Customers are increasingly looking for one provider that can seamlessly connect them anytime, anywhere. We are continuing to invest in our modern communications network that is built for the future, including expanding both our fiber and 5G networks in the Charlotte region and across the state. With more than 4.8 million fiber strand miles in North Carolina, AT&T Fiber® is now available to more than 1.28 million customer locations in more than 125 communities, including Charlotte. Our vision for supporting Charlotte’s economic future is to help ensure that more residents and businesses have the connectivity they need to thrive in today’s economy. With our continued investment in fiber and 5G, we are doing what we do best: connecting people, helping fuel economic growth, driving innovation, and expanding access to opportunity.
