Bloomberg

AT&T is in discussions to create a joint venture that would invest billions of dollars on fiber-optic network expansion. The company is working with Morgan Stanley to help bring in an infrastructure partner to the venture, which is expected to be valued at $10 billion to $15 billion. AT&T is embarking on its biggest plan yet to pursue broadband customers outside its traditional 21-state local phone territory.

AT&T Chief Executive Officer John Stankey  considers the expansion of AT&T’s fiber network part of his strategy to refocus the company around offering greater telecommunications connectivity now that it’s left behind its dream of being a media powerhouse.

Federal Trade Commissioner Noah Phillips stepped down from his position Oct 14, leaving a Republican vacancy at the antitrust and consumer protection agency. Phillips, a former Senate staffer, joined the agency in May 2018.