AT&T

Verizon activates 3.9M iPhones in Q2 2013

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 18, 2013

Despite concerns about a shrinking pool of U.S. cell phone owners who have yet to upgrade to smartphones, Verizon Wireless announced it activated 3.9 million iPhones during the second quarter, an increase of 44 percent surpassing analyst forecasts of 3.5 million iPhone subscribers.

In other words, of the 7.5 million smartphones Verizon activated in the June quarter, over 50 percent were iPhones. Smartphones now account for more than half of Verizon Wireless customers, rising to 64 percent from a previous 50 percent, according to the official earnings results the carrier posted Thursday...

Move over Verizon, AT&T says it now has the most reliable network in the US

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

The wireless provider industry here in the United States is dominated by 4 major carriers: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. You could actually narrow it down even further, to two carriers, as Verizon and AT&T are much larger than the other two.

And both carriers have their strengths. Verizon is known for having an expansive and reliable network, offering more coverage in more places, while AT&T is known for its network's speed. But AT&T is now claiming it has the most reliable network too...

The problem with smartphones: they’re losing their cool and wow factor

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 17, 2013

It has been six years since Apple introduced the original iPhone. The event was likened to a seismic shift that ignited the push to adopt smartphones in the United States. Now with up to 70 percent of subscribers owning smartphones, the big three carriers are searching for ways to encourage upgrades.

However, the push comes as consumers complain the 'wow' factor is missing from the industry. The slowdown in smartphone upgrades - evident in Samsung and Apple's sales - fell nine percent in 2012 with 68 million U.S. subscribers upgrading their devices, according to a Wednesday Wall Street Journal report...

Why AT&T’s ‘Next’ device upgrade program is a bad deal

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Yesterday, AT&T introduced a new device upgrade program called AT&T Next. An obvious response to T-Mobile's 'Jump' plan, Next will allow customers, willing to pay a monthly fee, to trade in their device and upgrade to a brand new one every 12 months.

At first glance, this sounds like a good deal. After all, the carrier's current policy is that you only get a subsidized equipment upgrade every 24 months. But after crunching a few numbers, it's fairly clear that the Next plan is actually a big ripoff for customers...

AT&T introduces new ‘AT&T Next’ device upgrade program

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Well that didn't take very long. Just hours after a report surfaced regarding Verizon's plan for a new device upgrade program, AT&T announced a new upgrade plan of its own. It's called 'AT&T Next,' and its description sounds awfully familiar.

The AT&T Next program will allow subscribers to purchase a new smartphone or tablet every twelve months with no activation, upgrade or financing fees. The catch is, they'll have to make monthly payments equal to 1/20th the device's retail cost...

AT&T buying prepaid U.S. telco Leap Wireless

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 12, 2013

In another sign of a major consolidation taking place in the U.S. wireless industry, carrier telco on Friday made known its intention to buy regional prepaid carrier Leap Wireless.

AT&T has agreed to pay $15 per share in cash to acquire all of Leap Wireless’s assets. As you know, Leap provides wireless services through its prepaid Cricket Wireless brand.

The transaction, pending customary regulatory approval, is meant to bolster AT&T’s coverage, enhance its spectrum, increase AT&T's retail store presence and make AT&T more competitive to customers interested in low-cost prepaid service...

AT&T to host event on July 16 to discuss ‘what’s next in wireless’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

AT&T, the second largest wireless provider in the United States by customer base, started sending out invitations yesterday to several major media outlets for a mysterious media event it's going to be hosting on July 16.

Other than the cryptic message "Get ready for what's next in wireless," the invites don't really offer up any details on what the event could be about. But given that AT&T is a carrier, it's not hard to speculate on the matter...

iOS apparently grabbed nearly 75 percent of mobile ad market in May

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated May 3, 2017

As we've noted in the past, Apple has the unique ability to have products outnumbered by Android, yet excel in areas which count - like advertising. The latest case in point is a study finding nearly 75 percent of mobile ads are served to Apple's iDevices.

By contrast, Android's share of the mobile ad market is decreasing with Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones delivering barely any ad impressions, according to figures released by a mobile ad company...

AT&T deploys 4G LTE in 30 new markets

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 27, 2016

Since its last expansion which enabled its fourth-generation Long-Term Evolution (LTE) speedy cellular radio technology in several new markets, U.S. wireless carrier has been pretty quiet.

The following day rival Verizon took the initiative by announcing its LTE was available in 500+ markets across 49 U.S. states and covering nearly 200 more markets than AT&T.

Stepping up its game, AT&T today announced expansion of its LTE which is now available in more than two dozen additional markets. If you live in any of the areas listed below the fold, you should start experiencing enhanced speeds on your LTE-enabled devices...

AT&T rolls out and expands LTE in several markets

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

In a recent study by PC Mag, AT&T's LTE network was found to be the fastest among the top 4 carriers. But Verizon was found to be the most reliable. That's because Big Red has 4G coverage in nearly 200 more markets than AT&T does.

But it's working hard to change that. This morning, the nation's second largest wireless provider posted a number of press releases announcing that it has rolled out LTE to new markets, and expanded coverage in several existing markets...

AT&T promotion makes 16GB iPhone 5 just $99 with contract

Cody Lee ∙ June 22, 2013

It appears that retailers are in full-on inventory clearance mode with the iPhone 5, in anticipation of a new model. Best Buy is currently taking $50 off the handset, Walmart is offering the device at a $70 discount, and it looks like AT&T wants in on the fun too.

This morning, the country's second largest carrier started a promotion that takes 50% off its entire smartphone lineup. Yes, that even includes the iPhone 5, which means that you can score an entry-level model of the popular handset for just $99 with contract...

AT&T lights up LTE in new Texas, Alabama markets and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Folks with an iPhone 5, iPad mini or any other LTE-enabled device with AT&T will be happy to hear that the carrier has activated the popular 4G service in several new markets across the United States today.

If you have an AT&T-flavored LTE device, and live in one of the following areas, you'll definitely want to check to see if you're now aboard what PC Mag calls the fastest Long Term Evolution network in the US...