US Fiber Deals: AT&T, Lumen, Wyyerd, Ting, Conterra, Hotwire, Fidium And More

The last few years have seen major innovation in the field of internet connectivity.

Companies are investing big in wireless, satellite-based, and fiber-optic technologies to deliver faster, more reliable, and more accessible internet to both urban and remote areas worldwide.

Despite the emergence of more capable wireless and more reachable satellite internet, fiber-optics has been popular with network service providers, as they look to expand their reach and strengthen their infrastructure.

As per a report, the global fiber optic cable market is projected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2024 to $13.7 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 16.90%. This is mainly down to the global rollout of 5G networks, the need for more robust data centers that can power faster, more reliable data transmissions.

Furthermore, as the world drives toward artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions, the strength, reliability, and capability of fiber-optics become even more vital.

As such, network service providers in the United States (and around the globe) are pumping money into growing their resources or shelling out to acquire other businesses that already possess a presence in particular regions to meet growing demands.
 

AT&T—Lumen

As per a news release published on its website, AT&T announced that it has reached an agreement with Lumen to acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business for $5.75 billion, in an all-cash transaction.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026 and is subject to purchase price adjustments and regulatory approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions.

The move will fuel AT&T’s investment in critical U.S. connectivity infrastructure, create new middle-class jobs, boost economic activity, and bring high-speed fiber internet access to millions of Americans.

It brings the company access to around 1 million fiber customers, reaching over 4 million fiber locations across 11 U.S. states, including major metro areas such as Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

Along with giving American consumers more choices in the fiber-optic options, the move will expand the availability of AT&T Fiber, helping AT&T grow its reach—the company expects to reach around 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2030, which is roughly double its current numbers.

“We’re leading the race to connect more Americans with fiber, the best broadband connectivity technology available,” said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T. “This deal with Lumen represents a significant investment in U.S. connectivity infrastructure that will create jobs and spur economic activity in numerous regions and major metro areas across 11 states. As we advance our fiber build, we’ll serve more communities with world-class connectivity and expect to roughly double where AT&T Fiber is available by the end of 2030.”


Once the deal is closed, Lumen will provide AT&T with services and support under multiple transitional agreements for approximately two years. It will cover certain field operations, network deployment, IT systems, billing, customer support, and other services. AT&T will also receive long-term access to certain Lumen central offices, poles, and conduits.
 

Wyyerd—Ting—Conterra

In the state of Arizona, Carlyle-backed Fiber Internet Service Provider Wyyerd Fiber announced the acquisition of fiber network assets from Ting Fiber and Conterra Networks.

The move expands Wyyerd’s reach across the state, bringing immediate access to fiber infrastructure in Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Pima County, as well as Prescott Valley and the wider Southern Arizona region. It also sets Wyyerd up for further expansion beyond the Phoenix metro area.

The move will also see Wyyerd lease back some dark fibers to Conterra in support of multiple school districts in Greater Tucson and Rio Rico.

“This acquisition of assets enables us to expedite our Fiber-to-the-Home build across Arizona,” said Justin Freesmeier, CEO of Wyyerd Fiber. “We’re thrilled to bring our 100% Fiber-Optic Internet service and an unmatched, locally based, customer experience to the Greater Tucson region, while also expanding our reach across new markets in Northern and Southern Arizona.”


Currently, Wyyerd is investing in infrastructure, office space, and a local workforce to bring fast Fiber Internet to homes, businesses, and public institutions in the Greater Tucson area.
 

Hotwire, Fidium, And More

Hotwire Communications, a Florida-based fiber optic internet provider backed by Blackstone, is expanding its reach to Texas.

Hotwire isn’t your regular internet provider—it comes with a unique business model. For one, the company doesn’t possess any retail storefronts like others do. This makes sense when the company opts to serve community-driven customers, such as homeowner's associations, master-planned communities, businesses, and schools, over individual residences.

Sticking to a previous strategy, the company spent the last two years building its presence in the Austin market before going public. This included building its infrastructure, data centers, staff, and more.

“We build dedicated networks so every home gets access to their own internet without worrying about how many neighbors are using the network at six o'clock,” said David Ramos, president of Hotwire's enterprise business. “We provide the ability to scale, so if you're a regular user that needs only a gigabit, or you're a power user that needs 10, you never impact your neighbors, or vice versa.”

Hotwire has drawn the attention of T-Mobile and investment firm KKR.

Ahead of this, Fidium Fiber has begun construction to bring high-speed fiber-optic internet to 20 locations in Shelburne, Vermont, including the underserved areas in Chittenden County.

The move sports a partnership with Chittenden County Communications Union District, which was recently awarded $2.1 million by the Vermont Community Broadband Board to power expansions in Shelburne, Essex Town, Jericho, Westford, and Williston. This funding represents Phase 1 of the expansion, where Phase 2 would include bringing internet to another 40 addresses.

In Massachusetts, Ripple Fiber has broken ground in the first phase of its $140 million Central Massachusetts project, beginning with Holden and West Boylston and other areas to follow. Between these two locations, Ripple is expected to bring fiber-optic-powered internet connectivity to over 9,000 households.


What do you think about the latest fiber-optic developments? Will the growing availability of fiber-optics challenge satellite-based internet service providers?

Let us know in the comments below!