AT&T Launches Industry-First Seamless Integration of Fiber and 5G Networks with Single-box Solution
Rhea-AI Summary
AT&T announces the launch of an industry-first integrated gateway device combining fiber and 5G networks in a single-box solution. Available nationwide in early 2025 for new AT&T Business Fiber customers with speeds of 1 Gbps or higher, the device features automatic failover to AT&T's 5G network during fiber outages. The gateway includes Wi-Fi 6E technology and has already been rolled out in seven states. This solution aims to provide businesses with continuous connectivity, preventing revenue loss and productivity disruptions through seamless network switching.
Positive
- First-to-market with integrated fiber and 5G solution in a single device
- Automatic failover capability helps prevent business disruptions
- Wi-Fi 6E technology offering improved speed and coverage
- Cost-effective solution compared to potential downtime costs
- Initial market rollout already completed in seven states
Negative
- availability to only new Business Fiber customers
- Requires 1 Gbps or higher speed subscription
- Backup feature doesn't work during power outages
- 5G coverage not available in all areas
Insights
This innovative single-box solution represents a significant technological advancement in business connectivity infrastructure. The integration of fiber and 5G capabilities in one device, featuring Wi-Fi 6E technology, positions AT&T ahead of competitors still offering separate solutions. The automatic failover capability addresses a critical pain point for businesses, particularly in the retail and service sectors where continuous connectivity is essential for operations.
The solution's market impact extends beyond mere convenience - it offers substantial cost savings by eliminating the need for redundant hardware and reducing IT support requirements. The initial rollout in seven states suggests a measured approach to deployment, allowing for operational refinement before nationwide expansion. The requirement of 1 Gbps or higher speed plans strategically targets premium business customers, potentially driving higher-margin service adoption.
This product launch strengthens AT&T's competitive position in the lucrative business services market. The timing is strategic, as businesses increasingly demand reliable connectivity solutions amid digital transformation initiatives. The single-device approach creates a new product category that could drive revenue growth through both hardware sales and premium service subscriptions.
The endorsement from Moor Insights & Strategy adds credibility to the offering's market potential. By targeting service-oriented businesses with multiple locations, AT&T is addressing a significant market segment that typically has higher ARPU and lower churn rates. This innovation could help AT&T capture market share from traditional enterprise networking providers and cement its position as a leading integrated telecommunications provider.
Key Takeaways:
- Market Leadership: In an industry-first move, AT&T is leading the way in converged connectivity by offering a device with AT&T Business Fiber and 5G wireless network integration.
- Integrated Infrastructure: AT&T's converged solution combines fiber and wireless capabilities, helping provide continuous, reliable connectivity.
- Seamless Convergence: AT&T's integrated gateway gives customers automatic failover to AT&T's fast wireless network in a single-box solution in the rare case of an internet or fiber outage.
What's the news?
Beginning early next year, AT&T's integrated gateway will be available nationwide to select new AT&T Business Fiber customers who order speeds of 1 Gbps or higher. This innovative gateway is AT&T's first converged device for business customers. It is designed to deliver lightning-fast fiber internet and helps maintain seamless connectivity by using the wireless network.
In the rare event of a fiber outage, this gateway automatically switches to AT&T's 5G network where available and reverts to fiber when service is restored.1 While other products on the market offer cellular failover, AT&T's integrated gateway is unique because it's the first to do so in a single device, underscoring AT&T's commitment to keeping businesses continuously connected.
Market rollout has occurred in the following states:
Why is this important?
For businesses, connectivity is paramount. Whether for a customer service call or point-of-sales transaction, reliable internet is essential to avoid issues like revenue loss, diminished productivity and customer frustration. AT&T's integrated gateway is designed to meet these demands by offering an unparalleled convergence of wireless and fiber, helping to provide a seamless connectivity experience. When faced with an internet interruption, this gives businesses, especially those with a lean team, an easy fix to keep running.
Who can use this?
AT&T's integrated gateway will be available to new AT&T Business Fiber customers who order speeds of 1 Gbps or higher, where applicable. For more information, new customers can visit www.business.att.com/products/business-fiber-internet.html.
What are the key features?
- 5G-Capable Internet Device: In an industry-first move, AT&T is offering the first device with AT&T Business Fiber and 5G wireless network integration. This helps prevent business disruptions and potential productivity and income loss due to unexpected internet interruptions.
- 5G Wireless Connectivity: AT&T's 5G wireless network, where available, offers superior speeds compared to other multi-device and multi-network 4G/LTE backup solutions.
- Wi-Fi 6E Technology: This gateway comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E technology, providing faster speeds, lower latencies and more reliable connections across a broader range of compatible devices. This technology utilizes the newly opened 6GHz band, offering more coverage and bandwidth.
- Automatic Failover and Recovery: This gateway seamlessly switches to backup wireless connection in case of primary internet failure and reverts to fiber when service is restored. Power must be delivered to the gateway for the duration of the fiber outage in order for this feature to work.
- Cost Efficiency: This mobility backup is cost-effective compared to potential downtime costs and eliminates the need for additional IT support.
- Single-Box Solution: This gateway integrates all necessary components (fiber internet and 5G wireless capability) into a single device making deployment easy across a business.
"The introduction of our first-ever integrated device marks a transformative step in defining the future of connectivity," said Mike Troiano, Senior Vice President, Business Products, AT&T Business. "As technology evolves and digital transformation accelerates, the need for convergence is more critical than ever. We are leading the way with the infrastructure across fiber broadband and wireless to keep our small, medium and large business customers seamlessly connected. AT&T's integrated gateway exemplifies our commitment to innovation, enhancing our connectivity portfolio to meet their current and future business needs, empowering them to grow, scale and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape."
"AT&T has made significant investments in both its fiber and mobile network services. Consequently, its decision to offer a device that provides automatic failover in the rare event of a fiber cut or if the network goes down is a logical step," said Will Townsend, Principal Analyst, Moor Insights & Strategy. "Internet backup for businesses is not a new concept but automating it through hardware and software consolidation is novel. Service-oriented businesses with multiple locations are ideal candidates for this new AT&T offering because they require predictable and consistent connectivity to maximize revenue."
1 Limited availability in select areas. Coverage not available everywhere. LTE coverage may be used depending on signal availability at your address. See att.com/wirelesscoverage. Wireless backup does not work in the event of a loss of power.
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FAQ
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