Intelligent CIO North America Issue 16 | Page 64

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cabling

Corning and AT & T collaborate to extend investments in fiber infrastructure

Corning and AT & T expand collaboration as Corning works to meet record broadband demand and support growth of US manufacturing .

Corning Incorporated has announced it is expanding its long-term collaboration with AT & T .

The two companies will work together to extend investments in fiber infrastructure , expand US broadband networks and accelerate 5G deployment .
Based on AT & T ’ s long-term commitment to its network buildout , Corning is investing US $ 150 million in optical cable manufacturing in North Carolina , initially adding 200 jobs .
This announcement is the latest example of how Corning is driving transformation across its markets through its leadership in glass and ceramic science , optical physics and its proprietary manufacturing platforms .
President , AT & T Network Infrastructure and Build . “ By extending our collaboration with Corning , we ’ ll create American jobs through manufacturing investments , and also through the economic benefits that broadband brings to our communities .”
“ The need for ubiquitous connectivity has pushed demand on networks to record levels , and Corning is strategically investing to support network buildouts ,” said Michael A . Bell , Senior Vice President and General Manager , Corning Optical Communications .
“ This capacity expansion in particular supports the growth plans of AT & T , who we ’ ve valued for more than three decades . We ’ re turning once again to the highly skilled local workforce in North Carolina to help us meet the demand . We deeply appreciate the support of local and state officials , particularly Governor Roy Cooper , Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders and state lawmakers .”
“ As we celebrate Manufacturing Week in our state , it ’ s exciting to see a global manufacturer like Corning expand yet again in a great rural county like Catawba ,” said Governor Roy Cooper . “ Corning understands North Carolina ’ s strengths as a business location , thanks to their firsthand experience with our skilled workforce , customized training programs and great quality of life .”
The manufacturing capacity extends Corning ’ s market leadership as demand for network infrastructure continues to exceed industry forecasts . Government investments in broadband , now moving through the US Congress and various states , are expected to further fuel the demand . p
Corning ’ s value creation model enables the invention of breakthrough products , while leveraging an existing , scalable footprint . When demand exceeds capacity , Corning captures new growth opportunities through strategic investments in innovation and technology – de-risking these investments with strong customer commitments .
AT & T has previously announced plans to significantly expand its fiber footprint . This announcement spotlights AT & T ’ s commitment to meet that objective while supporting American manufacturing jobs .
“ We see expansion of our fiber infrastructure as central to the growth of our broadband reach , for consumers as well as business customers ,” said Mo Katibeh , Senior Vice
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