SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – May 11, 2023  

AT&T and BlackRock Expanding Fiber Internet to Northeastern Pennsylvania through Gigapower Joint Venture 

Multi-gig speeds and best-in-class value from AT&T over the Gigapower fiber network expected to be available to thousands of local residents and businesses in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region  

What’s the news?  

AT&T* plans to bring its award-winning, high-speed fiber internet service to Northeastern Pennsylvania. AT&T Fiber is expected to be available to select local residents and businesses in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region later this year.  

This is made possible through the Gigapower, LLC joint venture between AT&T and BlackRock, through a fund managed by its Diversified Infrastructure business. Gigapower plans to provide a state-of-the-art fiber network to internet service providers and other businesses in parts of select metro areas throughout the country using a commercial wholesale open access platform.  

Why is this important? 

Wilkes-Barre is undergoing a major revitalization, with a bustling downtown workforce that is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From industry to innovation, Scranton is now home to a growing downtown business district, several institutions of higher education and a strong healthcare system.  

As business owners and residents need more broadband and upload speeds, AT&T Fiber can provide the connectivity needed to power the way the Greater Wyoming Valley region works, studies and plays. 

What are people saying?  

“AT&T is working to become the broadband provider of choice,” said David Kerr, State President – AT&T Pennsylvania. “We are excited to harness Gigapower’s fiber network to provide more access to the robust connectivity that comes with a high-speed, reliable and secure network. Northeastern Pennsylvania helped propel our nation’s growth during the industrial revolution. Today, AT&T Fiber will help the region and its residents better compete in the digital revolution. We look forward to working with business, government and community leaders to connect these communities as quickly as possible.” 

“BlackRock is pleased to collaborate with AT&T to help bring critical broadband services to more communities in Northeast Pennsylvania through our Gigapower joint venture,” said Mark Florian, Global Head of BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure business. 

“The Wyoming Valley’s manufacturing, arts and entertainment, and healthcare sectors, coupled with a solid foundation of higher education institutions and a growing visitor base, make our community vibrant and progressive.” said Lindsay Griffin, president & CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. “AT&T’s investment into our community will provide enhanced capacity for fiber to assist in building long term solutions to the needs of our people, allowing them to connect, work and learn for decades to come and assist in the strategy to attract more businesses and residents who believe our region is a great place to live, work and raise a family.” 

“We’re working every day to create opportunities for the region’s businesses and residents.  Simply put, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow business throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, said Bob Durkin, president, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.  “Having AT&T Fiber in our region will help further propel our growth and be a hub of opportunity for the entire region.” 

Why AT&T Fiber? 

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.  

Residents can be the first to know when AT&T Fiber is available in their area by visiting: att.com/NotifyMe  

*About AT&T   

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com. 

About BlackRock  

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock. 

For more information, contact:  

Karen Twomey  

AT&T Corporate Communications 

Phone: (508) 370-2535 

Email: karen.twomey@att.com 

Christopher Beattie 

BlackRock 

Phone: (646) 231-8518 

Email: christopher.beattie@blackrock.com