Gigapower’s Chandler Conundrum

Gigapower, the open-access fiber network joint venture launched by AT&T and BlackRock in May 2023, is experiencing significant challenges in its phase I deployment. Gigapower’s prime contractor in several states, Tilson Technology Management, blamed Gigapower for driving it into bankruptcy, a development that is just the most extreme of numerous problems stemming from Gigapower’s business model. The Communications Workers of America, which represents tens of thousands of frontline technicians at AT&T, has closely tracked the Gigapower build-out in various markets. Based on CWA’s analysis of public records and field investigations, CWA discovered that Gigapower’s deployment in Chandler (AZ) potentially suffered from the following operational deficiencies: 

• Poor Contractor Verification Procedures
• Deployment Delays
• Poor Quality Work
• Substandard Field Supervision
• Questionable Project Management Practices