CPP Backs AT&T Fibre Expansion as US Telecoms Turn to Outside Capital (GlobalSWF)

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is forming a joint venture with AT&T Inc. and BlackRock Inc.'s Global Infrastructure Partners to expand fibre-optic networks in the U.S. CPPIB will invest an undisclosed sum, with AT&T aiming to connect over 60 million locations by 2030. The venture will merge AT&T's Forged Fiber 37 with Gigapower, with financial terms undisclosed and the deal expected to close in early 2027. AT&T may use proceeds to pay down debt and return capital to shareholders.

GIP and CPP Investments will jointly own 50% of a new AT&T fiber venture, combining Gigapower and AT&T's Lumen-acquired assets. AT&T retains the other 50%. The venture will operate as a wholesale open-access fiber company. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals. AT&T plans to use proceeds to reduce debt and return capital to shareholders.

A federal judge approved AT&T's $177M settlement for 2024 data breaches. Customers may receive $6.50-$40 based on breach type and data exposed. Nearly 5M claims were filed, with payments pending after appeals and reviews. AT&T denies wrongdoing, settling to avoid litigation costs.

AT&T plans to merge its Gigapower JV and Forged Fiber 37 into a new joint venture with BlackRock's GIP and CPP Investments. The deal, expected to close in early 2027, will combine nearly 5 million fiber locations. AT&T will retain 50% ownership, aiming to accelerate US fiber deployment without altering its 2030 buildout target of 60 million locations.

AT&T, Global Infrastructure Partners, and CPP Investments will form a fiber joint venture to expand fiber services in the U.S. The JV will include AT&T's Forged Fiber 37 and Gigapower, aiming to accelerate fiber builds and meet growing connectivity demands. AT&T plans to reach 60 million fiber locations by 2030. The partnership supports AT&T's strategy to expand fiber services in 16 states.

AT&T will create a fiber joint venture with BlackRock's GIP and CPP Investments, combining Forged Fiber 37 and Gigapower. AT&T will own 50%, with GIP and CPP owning the rest. The venture aims to expand fiber services in 16 states. AT&T plans to use proceeds to reduce debt, invest, and return capital to shareholders. The deal is expected to close in early 2027, pending approvals.