A definitive agreement has been struck by BlackRock Alternatives (BlackRock) and a fund managed by its Diversified Infrastructure unit to create a joint venture that will run a commercial fibre platform.
Internet service providers (ISPs) and other companies across the United States should be able to access a best-in-class fibre network thanks to the recently established joint venture, Gigapower, LLC.
With fibre access technologies, Gigapower will provide clients with new and effective services outside of AT&T’s conventional 21-state wireline service area.
And to sell fibre to clients in Gigapower territories, AT&T will make use of its national cellular sales capabilities.
Gigapower intends to use a commercial open access platform to roll out a trustworthy, multi-gig fibre network to an initial 1.5 million consumer locations across the country.
The rollout of Gigapower fibre will add to AT&T’s current goal of having more than 30 million fibre locations, including commercial locations, by the end of 2025.
This capital-efficient network development, when combined with ongoing initiatives within AT&T’s 21-state service area, will progress efforts to close the digital divide and ultimately aid in delivering the quick and highly secure internet that people need.
Additionally, this network development will support the local economy of all the areas where Gigapower works.
After this point, Gigapower will be jointly owned and run by AT&T and BlackRock.
Although AT&T does not plan to integrate Gigapower’s financial results, it does plan to share the operational results of its Consumer Wireline business unit for the consumer subscribers it serves through Gigapower.