This Is What Fast Means

AT&T is expanding its ultra-fast fiber network to some 100 cities nationwide.

The fiber network will deliver AT&T's U-verse at broadband speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second. Just how fast is that? At that speed, in one second, you could download 25 songs. In three seconds, you could download an episode of your favorite TV show. And in 36 seconds, you could download an entire HD movie.

AT&T's network build-out is "world changing, as more communities come on line with fiber networks that are 100 times faster than what they have today," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

"This is what fast means. It will be great for our members and overall employment, will accelerate business and economic development, provide for new and not-yet-realized services, make state-of-the-art television and other services available to consumers, and help the U.S. regain its place as a leader in true high-speed accessibility," he said.

For more than eight years, CWA's "Speed Matters" campaign has pushed for the expansion of true high-speed fiber networks in the U.S. as necessary for good jobs here and to keep pace with economic growth and global competition. Speed matters on the Internet, and CWA has been calling for policies to promote faster Internet speeds and higher capacity networks.

AT&T said it also is working with local communities on plans to provide options for public Wi-Fi hotspots, free AT&T U-verse with speeds of 1 Gigabit per second at public sites and other expansions of its ultra-fast network.

AT&T's announcement this week is a big step toward enabling U.S. residents to catch up with citizens in countries like Korea, Japan, Canada and others, where national, affordable high-speed broadband is available and accessible.