AT&T invests heavily in networks - Ericsson takes the lead

That is a doubling of the investment rate.

The Swedish telecom manufacturer Ericsson, one of AT&T's major suppliers of network equipment, rose by over 4 percent on the Stockholm Stock Exchange after the announcement.

AT&T's focus is primarily on expanding high-speed fiber networks and strengthening coverage for mobile and satellite networks.

By comparison, AT&T - which aims to take market share from arch-rivals Verizon and T-Mobile USA - invested around $21 billion last year.