Chamber lunch crowd hears from AT&T exec

Apr. 2—Keeping connected is what AT&T is all about. So when the speaker they were originally sending to Tuesday's Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon couldn't make it, AT&T was dialed in with another guest to take his place.

Kentucky AT&T President Carlos Sanchez was scheduled to be the featured presenter at the April Chamber event at The Center for Rural Development, but was still recovering from an accident which resulted in a leg injury. In his stead was Amanda Lich, Regional Director of External Affairs for the telecommunications giant.

In that role, Lich — a native of Edmonson County — is responsible for the strategic direction of AT&T's corporate initiatives in western and central Kentucky, working with business executives, community leaders and government officials to bring fiber and 5G wireless broadband services to consumers and businesses throughout the region.

"You may be familiar with some of the AT&T employees who live and work right here in this community," said Lich, "including the retail team of the Somerset AT&T store, or the many engineers and techs who help keep this community connected. In the midst of that work ... we work with you, the business leaders in the community, and with policy makers and elected officials."

Lich noted that AT&T has been investing in Kentucky for more than 140 years — as the American Telephone and Telegraph Company was created in the late 19th century by a company with roots going back to Alexander Graham Bell. From 2020 to 2022, AT&T invested nearly $725 million into wired and wireless networks in the commonwealth.

"Throughout those years, we have built strong relationships, and are proud of the work we can do to help spur Kentucky's economy to drive business growth and job production," said Lich of the extended history.

"Our world is rapidly being transformed by the widespread and growing availability of connectivity," she added, "and AT&T is leading the charge with our nationwide fast, reliable and secure 5G mobile network, coupled with our growing multi-gig fiber home internet service. As much as we depend on broadband connectivity today, we think it's only the beginning. By next year, we estimate that users will consume at least five times more data than they did in 2021."

AT&T's networks anticipate the speeds needed in years to come, said Lich, but equally critical is access to a network that can handle the growing number of connected devices inside the modern home.

"Anyone who has a teenager knows how many devices need to be going at the same time to keep your home happy," she said. "In 2022, it was estimated that the average household had 15 connected devices, and that number was expected to more than triple by 2030.

"Fiber is the technology that can handle that growth," added Lich. "Investing in fiber today will not only future-proof your community, it also offers better security, reliability and durability when compared to other network technologies."

Areas with sparse population and difficult terrains have proven challenging for broadband providers to reach, said Lich. She said that AT&T hopes to serve as a resource for state and local governments navigating the influx of funding in exploring plans for broadband deployment.

Lich said her team recently met with The Center for Rural Development to discuss regional broadband needs.

"The great news is that Congress has made historic commitments to broadband infrastructure deployment," she said, "presenting state and local governments with unique opportunities to expand internet access and achieve universal broadband."

Issues like access, affordability, and adoption are addressed through programs and targeted funding, empowering localities to find holistic solutions for underserved areas.

"We are looking forward to working with decision makers to utilize this once-in-a-generation funding to bring connectivity to, and expand opportunities for, all Americans, here in Kentucky and across the country," said Lich.