Connecting Michigan — For Nearly 150 Years
AT&T has been part of Michigan’s communications backbone for generations – supporting businesses, households and public safety agencies across the Great Lakes State through reliable broadband, wireless and dedicated emergency networks.
From urban centers like Detroit and Grand Rapids to rural communities across Michigan, AT&T networks help people work, learn and stay connected – wherever they live.
BY THE NUMBERS
Between 2020 and 2024 alone, AT&T invested nearly $2.4 billion in Michigan’s wireless and wireline infrastructure — strengthening access, reliability and long-term economic opportunity statewide.
WHAT THAT INVESTMENT DELIVERS
AT&T’s infrastructure investments translate into practical outcomes for Michigan:
- Workforce and education opportunities like remote work, online learning and career skills development all made possible through broadband access.
- Expanded access in underserved areas, including rural communities where connectivity gaps still exist.
- Stronger public safety communications and infrastructure with dedicated, resilient networks for first responders.
- Economic growth and community development as modern broadband networks enable business expansion and enhance general quality of life
Bridging The Digital Divide
AT&T is pairing infrastructure investment with community-based access initiatives. The company has deployed broadband and fiber to more than 830,000 locations across more than 115 communities, helping close connectivity gaps.
A key part of this effort is the expansion of AT&T’s Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) — community spaces that offer high-speed internet, computers and free learning resources to help students and families who lack access at home.
Most recently, AT&T opened a new CLC at the Baxter Community Center, the company’s first in Grand Rapids and third in Michigan. The center is equipped with high-speed AT&T Fiber and Wi-Fi, 15 new Dell computers, and access to digital literacy tools like The Achievery learning platform.
Connectivity changes everything. These centers provide not just internet access, but educational and mentoring resources that open doors to new opportunities.
These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative, a national commitment to improve internet accessibility, affordability and safe technology use. AT&T plans to open at least 100 CLCs nationwide by the end of 2027.
Through partnerships with nonprofits and local community organizations, AT&T has distributed hundreds of free or low-cost devices to Michigan residents in need.
During Detroit Connectivity Day, students and families received 500 free laptops and backpacks, removing a critical barrier to online access and opportunity.
Supporting Public Safety
As America’s public safety communications partner, AT&T has also been focused on expanding and enhancing FirstNet, Built with AT&T to give first responders better access to their network. FirstNet is the only nationwide high-speed wireless communications network built with and for public safety.
FirstNet is widely used by public safety officials throughout the country. In Michigan, AT&T is connecting public safety agencies in nearly 920 localities across the state through FirstNet – from Marquette and Traverse City to Kalamazoo and Detroit, and hundreds in between.
AT&T has also deployed Band 14 spectrum on more than 1,800 sites across Michigan to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity.
Community Giving, Volunteering and Stewardship
Through the AT&T Foundation, engagement programs and employee volunteerism, the company is taking action to help strengthen and connect families, businesses and communities, protect the environment, and support people during times of need.
From 2022-2024, more than $2.1 million has been contributed by AT&T and the AT&T Foundation through giving programs in Michigan. Since 2021, over 2,900 computers and Wi-Fi hotspots have been donated to families at no charge. And in 2024, AT&T employees in Michigan donated 7,900 hours of their own time volunteering with organizations close to them.
A recent national environmental sustainability initiative diverted 11,070 pounds of electronic waste from landfills, preventing an estimated 15,545 pounds of carbon emissions, with additional impact through matched donations.
Michigan Chamber, Aligned Values
Like Michigan Chamber members across Michigan, AT&T invests deeply in our state — both through business infrastructure and community-centered philanthropy. Its work demonstrates how employers strengthen Michigan’s economy while expanding opportunity for all who live and work in the place we call home.