US carrier AT&T has pledged to invest more than $250 billion over the next five years.

The telco stated that the investment will enable the carrier to bolster its network ahead of the next era of connected innovation, one which will likely be defined by AI.

AT&T's announcement comes as the carrier marks the 150th anniversary of founder Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call.

"Today, we’re committing more than $250 billion to increase US connectivity competitiveness and expand access to AT&T’s leading fiber and wireless networks – the best way to get on the Internet,” said John Stankey, chairman and CEO of AT&T.

“Current Federal telecommunications policy is as strong as I’ve seen in my career, making our commitment to invest possible. We look forward to serving American communities and businesses for the next 150 years."

As part of the investment, AT&T said it will ramp up its deployment of fiber, 5G home Internet, wireless, and satellite across urban, suburban, and rural America.

The carrier is currently pushing to deploy its fiber network to 60 million locations by 2030. By the end of this year, AT&T expects to reach 40 million.

Beyond fiber, the carrier wants to strengthen its satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile to extend its mobile coverage to parts of the country's most remote areas.

The investment will help bolster FirstNet, the network used by first responders. FirstNet operates a network for first responders that is used by AT&T.

AT&T also touched on its 110,000 US-based workforce in its announcement, noting that the company will continue to invest in the "largest unionized workforce in the US telecom industry, with a focus on training and development."

As part of its plans to invest in its workforce, AT&T said it will recruit and train more skilled technicians, while the carrier plans to hire thousands of technicians this year. According to the telco, only five percent of jobs at the company require a four-year degree.

Further investment will go toward training, upskilling, and career pathways as technology pivots to AI.