Chris Holman welcomes back David Lewis, State President – AT&T Heartland States, Detroit, MI.

Watch David and Chris discuss Michigan network investments, FirstNet public safety communications and efforts to expand digital access in the YouTube video shared below:

Chris had several things he wanted to find out from David in this conversation:

Question 1. OPENING SETUP: WHY CONNECTIVITY MATTERS

Host Set Up: When people think about infrastructure, they often think about roads, bridges, water, or electricity. But today, connectivity is just as essential. Reliable broadband, wireless, fiber, and public safety communications are part of the foundation for how Michigan competes, grows, and serves communities.

Question: This year, AT&T is celebrating 150 years since the first telephone call. How do you think about the role of connectivity today compared to where this industry started?

Question 2. AT&T’S INVESTMENT IN MICHIGAN

Host framing: AT&T recently announced more than $2.7 billion invested in Michigan’s network from 2021 through 2025. That includes major investments in Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Grand Rapids and across the state.

Question: Can you provide more details about that investment and how it supports both consumers and businesses? And why should Michigan leaders think of communications networks as core infrastructure?

Question 3. PUBLIC SAFETY AND FIRSTNET

Host framing: Connectivity is also critical when it matters most. FirstNet, built with AT&T, is designed specifically for first responders and public safety agencies.

Questions: Can you tell us more about what FirstNet is and why reliable communications are so important during emergencies?

Question 4. CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Host framing: Infrastructure investment is one part of the equation. Another part is helping people actually get connected and use digital tools. AT&T has opened two Connected Learning Centers in Detroit, and one in Grand Rapids, with another planned for yet this year in Flint?

Question: Can you talk about the work AT&T is doing to help close the digital divide, and what role Connected Learning Centers play? 

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