New York, Feb 2, 2026, 13:08 (ET) — Regular session.
- AT&T confirmed it has completed the $5.75 billion cash acquisition of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber unit
- The deal adds over 1 million fiber customers to AT&T’s network, spanning 11 states
- Shares climbed roughly 1% as investors assessed execution risks ahead of the upcoming updates
Shares of AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) edged up roughly 1% to $26.49 in afternoon trading Monday. The rise came after the company finalized its $5.75 billion cash acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ Mass Markets fiber-to-the-home business across 11 U.S. states. During the session, the stock fluctuated between $26.13 and $26.63, with around 31 million shares changing hands. (SEC)
The close is crucial as AT&T ramps up its fiber network—glass lines reaching directly to homes—to boost broadband subscriptions and upsell larger bundles. Investors are closely monitoring if this strategy can sustain growth without hurting cash flow.
AT&T announced the deal increases its fiber reach to 32 states and adds over 1 million fiber subscribers, covering more than 4 million locations, including metros like Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. CEO John Stankey said, “AT&T Fiber … will be available to millions more people as we expand the service in 32 states.” The company aims to raise customer penetration—the percentage of locations subscribing—from about 25% in the acquired areas, targeting more than 60 million fiber locations by 2030. (PR Newswire)
Lumen, having sold its consumer unit which included the Quantum Fiber brand, called the move a turning point as it zeroes in on enterprise services. CEO Kate Johnson described the divestiture as “a pivotal moment for Lumen.” The company said it will use roughly $4.8 billion from the sale and cash on hand to retire super-priority debt, slashing interest costs by around $300 million annually. Lumen plans to discuss the transaction during its Feb. 3 earnings call, where it will also provide annual guidance factoring in the deal. (SEC)
Beyond official company statements, analysts saw the deal’s close as another proving ground for “convergence” — industry code for bundling wireless and home broadband services under one roof. David Barden of New Street Research noted in a report, referenced by Fierce Network, that the completion “only raises the stakes in the convergence conversation.” (Fierce Wireless)
Fiber-to-the-home typically delivers faster, more reliable speeds than legacy copper lines and tends to keep customers locked in once set up. For AT&T, the immediate challenge is how fast it can retain subscribers during the transition and then upsell extras like wireless services.
The acquisition drags AT&T further into the broadband battle against cable providers across key markets, even as Verizon and T-Mobile ramp up promotions on the wireless front. Capturing home internet customers usually hinges on price, service quality, and the ease of installation.
Investors focused on income are watching AT&T’s next dividend closely. The company declared a quarterly payout of 27.75 cents per share, scheduled for Feb. 2. (AT&T Investors)
The handover carries risks. Should customers leave during the migration, or if AT&T faces higher-than-anticipated costs to upgrade and extend the network in new areas, returns might be delayed.
The next immediate focus is Tuesday’s Lumen earnings call, expected to shed light on customer transitions and the financial effects of the divestiture. Afterward, investors will turn to AT&T’s upcoming quarterly report for the period ending March 31, searching for early evidence that the revamped footprint is boosting bundle sales and stabilizing cash flow.
