AT&T Inc.
American multinational telecommunications holding company providing wireless, wireline, broadband, and digital services, the third-largest telecommunications company in the world by revenue.
Company Type
public
Founded
1876
Headquarters
Dallas, Texas, USA
Stock
NYSE: T
About AT&T Inc.
AT&T operates through two main business segments: Communications and WarnerMedia (though WarnerMedia was spun off in 2022). The Communications segment includes wireless services, wireline services, and broadband services.
The wireless operations include AT&T Mobility, one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States with millions of customers nationwide. The company offers various wireless plans, devices, and services, including 5G network coverage and international roaming.
The wireline segment includes traditional telephone services, VoIP (Voice over IP) services, and business communications solutions. AT&T also operates one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the United States through its AT&T Fiber service.
AT&T's broadband services provide high-speed internet access to residential and business customers. The company has been expanding its fiber-optic network to compete with cable companies and other internet service providers.
AT&T employs approximately 117,000 people worldwide and generates annual revenues exceeding $120 billion. The company serves millions of customers across the United States and internationally, maintaining leading positions in wireless, wireline, and broadband markets.
History of AT&T Inc.
AT&T traces its origins to 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone and founded the Bell Patent Association. The company grew rapidly through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a monopoly in U.S. telecommunications.
In 1982, AT&T was broken up by court order as part of antitrust proceedings, creating seven Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs). The parent company retained long distance services, manufacturing, and research operations.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, AT&T rebuilt its business through acquisitions and strategic investments. The company acquired computer companies like NCR and entered new markets while maintaining its core telecommunications business.
In 2005, AT&T acquired SBC Communications, one of the largest RBOCs, in a $16 billion deal. This merger brought together two major telecommunications companies and created a new AT&T with significant wireless and wireline operations.
In 2006, AT&T acquired BellSouth, completing the reunification of the original AT&T company. The company continued to expand through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Time Warner in 2018 (later spun off as WarnerMedia) and various technology companies to enhance its digital capabilities.
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, AT&T has focused on 5G deployment, fiber-optic expansion, and digital transformation initiatives. The company has invested heavily in content creation, streaming services, and edge computing to maintain its competitive position in the rapidly evolving telecommunications market.
Brands Owned by AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc. owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
AT&T Inc. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Considerations
- -Intense competition from other wireless carriers and technology companies
- -Regulatory scrutiny over market dominance and competitive practices
- -High capital requirements for network infrastructure investment
- -Transition challenges from traditional to digital services
- -Balance between legacy operations and innovation investments
Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Inc.
Is AT&T a subsidiary of another company?
AT&T is an independent, publicly traded corporation with no parent company. The company operates independently with its own management structure and board of directors, though it has grown through numerous acquisitions throughout its history.
Is AT&T publicly traded?
Yes, AT&T is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol T. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 1983, allowing investors to purchase shares and own a portion of the company.
When was AT&T founded?
AT&T traces its origins to 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell founded the Bell Patent Association. The modern AT&T was formed through various mergers and acquisitions, with the most significant being the 2005 merger with SBC Communications.
Who founded AT&T?
AT&T was founded by Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone and established the Bell Patent Association in 1876. The modern AT&T was created through decades of mergers and acquisitions, with key leadership from various executives throughout its history.
What is AT&T's market position?
AT&T is the third-largest telecommunications company globally by revenue and the largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company maintains leading positions in wireless, wireline, and broadband markets, with extensive network infrastructure and millions of customers nationwide.
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