Phoenix, February 2, 2026
AT&T’s acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business, which includes CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, marks a significant change for Phoenix’s internet landscape. Valued at $5.75 billion, this deal aims to enhance high-speed internet access for Arizona residents and businesses. By integrating these operations, AT&T plans to double its fiber availability by 2030, offering improved services and competitive options in the local market. This strategic investment is expected to drive economic growth, providing essential infrastructure for a digitally empowered community.
Phoenix: A New Era of Connectivity Dawns as AT&T Acquires CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber
A Major Investment Poised to Reshape the Local Digital Landscape
Phoenix, AZ – The competitive landscape of internet service in Arizona is set for a significant transformation with the acquisition by AT&T of Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business, which includes the well-known brands CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber. This strategic move, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approval, represents a substantial private investment in critical U.S. connectivity infrastructure. It highlights the dynamic nature of the telecommunications sector and the continuous drive for innovation and expanded service offerings for consumers and businesses alike.
For Phoenix AZ business leaders and residents, this acquisition signals potential benefits through enhanced infrastructure, broader choices, and potentially more competitive services. The deal, valued at $5.75 billion, underscores a nationwide trend of private enterprises investing heavily to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet access. Such investments are often catalysts for economic growth, supporting not only individual consumers but also fostering an environment where Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive with improved digital tools and connectivity.
Expanding Fiber Footprint Across Multiple States
The agreement encompasses Lumen’s consumer fiber business across 11 states, including Arizona. This extensive acquisition involves approximately 95% of Lumen’s Quantum Fiber operations and about 1 million fiber customers across more than 4 million fiber locations. Key metropolitan areas such as Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle are part of this expansion. The transaction is designed to significantly expand access to AT&T Fiber, aiming to roughly double where AT&T Fiber is available by the end of 2030 nationwide.
This substantial commitment by AT&T to acquire Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business for $5.75 billion in cash is an example of how large-scale private investment can drive infrastructure development and economic activity. Such transactions, often facilitated by a regulatory environment that encourages market efficiency and competition, are crucial for advancing technological capabilities and service delivery across numerous regions.
Benefits for Phoenix Consumers and Businesses
Phoenix consumers are expected to benefit from this acquisition. The deal is anticipated to broaden local internet choices for Arizona residents by offering high-speed 5G wireless and fiber broadband services together through one provider. This integrated approach could lead to more convenient billing for Lumen customers with AT&T Mobile service, potentially including bundle discounts. Current AT&T Mobile customers in acquired Lumen areas seeking faster internet may gain access to fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps, depending on the area.
Furthermore, AT&T’s financial resources are expected to lead to increased infrastructure maintenance and improvements, alongside the provision of security products such as antivirus and parental controls. For home internet users in the inherited Lumen areas, these changes signify potential enhancements in service quality and security features. Simplified moving experiences for AT&T home internet customers relocating to acquired Quantum Fiber areas are also among the anticipated advantages.
Understanding CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber
Lumen Technologies operates as CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber in Arizona. Quantum Fiber is a Lumen Technologies brand that delivers fiber-based products and services to residential and small business customers over its fiber-optic network. The CenturyLink brand continues to be used for residential and small business customers over traditional networks. Quantum Fiber is described as a subscription-based, fully digital platform for delivering fiber-based products and services.
While Quantum Fiber is essentially the fiber-optic service offering under the Lumen umbrella, distinct from CenturyLink’s traditional network offerings, this acquisition consolidates these services under AT&T. This strategic alignment reflects a broader industry trend towards streamlined service portfolios and a greater focus on advanced fiber technology to meet modern connectivity demands.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook for Phoenix
The acquisition of these significant internet brands by AT&T is a testament to the robust and growing Phoenix small business and consumer markets. Such large-scale private sector investments underscore confidence in the region’s economic growth trajectory. The expansion of fiber infrastructure across Phoenix and other major metro areas is crucial for supporting future technological advancements, including those driven by artificial intelligence, which require enormous high-speed data capabilities.
As AT&T integrates these operations, the potential for job creation and increased economic activity in Arizona and the other 10 states involved is significant. The focus on expanding fiber broadband connectivity aligns with a vision for a digitally empowered community, providing the essential infrastructure for businesses to innovate and residents to connect at higher speeds.
Navigating Changes for Existing Customers
Current Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink customers should anticipate communications from their internet provider regarding upcoming changes as the transition progresses. While immediate changes are not expected, there are considerations regarding pricing and service terms. For example, Quantum Fiber’s “Price for Life” deal, which AT&T does not typically offer, may or may not continue for existing customers, subject to plan availability. AT&T has stated that it prioritizes putting customers first and providing value with AT&T Fiber.
The base pricing and speeds available through Quantum Fiber currently differ from AT&T Fiber’s base plans. As such, customers may see adjustments in their plans over time. It is advisable for customers to stay informed and review any communications from their provider to understand the full implications for their internet service.
Conclusion
The acquisition of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber in Arizona by AT&T marks a pivotal moment for the state’s digital infrastructure and economic future. This substantial private investment promises to bring expanded fiber connectivity, enhanced services, and increased competition to Phoenix and surrounding areas. It is a clear indicator of the private sector’s role in driving innovation and providing the essential tools for a thriving modern economy.
As Phoenix continues its trajectory of dynamic growth, the enhanced digital backbone provided by such investments will empower local businesses, support entrepreneurial endeavors, and ensure residents have access to the high-speed connectivity vital for the 21st century. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with the evolving landscape of Phoenix AZ business and to support the continuous development that strengthens our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is AT&T acquiring in Arizona?
- AT&T is acquiring Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business, which includes the brands CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, in Arizona and 10 other states.
- How much is the acquisition deal worth?
- The deal to acquire Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business is valued at $5.75 billion in cash.
- Which states are covered by the acquisition?
- The acquisition covers operations in 11 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
- What are the potential benefits for Phoenix consumers?
- Phoenix consumers stand to benefit from a deal announced with AT&T and Lumen, which operates as CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber in Arizona. The agreement is expected to broaden local internet choices by offering high-speed 5G wireless and fiber broadband services together through one provider.
- What is the relationship between CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber?
- Lumen Technologies operates as CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber. Quantum Fiber is a Lumen Technologies brand that delivers fiber-based products and services to residential and small business customers over its fiber-optic network, while the CenturyLink brand continues for traditional networks.
- When is the acquisition expected to close?
- The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Key Features of the AT&T Acquisition
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Acquirer | AT&T | Nationwide |
| Acquired Entity | Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business (CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber) | Nationwide |
| Total Value | $5.75 billion in cash | Nationwide |
| States Covered | 11 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington | Nationwide |
| Fiber Customers Included | Approximately 1 million fiber customers | Nationwide |
| Fiber Locations Reached | More than 4 million fiber locations | Nationwide |
| Expected Closing | First half of 2026, pending regulatory approval | Nationwide |
| Benefit for Phoenix Consumers | Broadens local internet choices by offering high-speed 5G wireless and fiber broadband services together. | State-level (Arizona, specifically Phoenix) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
