AT&T Internet and Mobile
KEY FACTS
Founded: 1983
Corporate Site(s): www.att.com
# Subscribers: >200 million
Key partner(s): IBM, Microsoft
The largest telecommunication company in the world, AT&T has brands in just about every category in the communication and media space. Previously known as SBC, they still have a dominant position in the telephone market and over the last decade, have made some major acquisitions by snapping up DIRECTV and WarnerMedia (more on the divestiture of DIRECTV further below).
AT&T Internet
Our Review
9.4/10From old school DSL to cutting-edge fiber, AT&T is quickly evolving its internet presence for the better. Every year, more and more homes get access to their super fast and reliable fiber service...
Internet Plans
Deals
AT&T runs year-round specials on the internet plans, particularly when you bundle with their 5G mobile service.
AT&T savings
Availability
AT&T is available in 21 states. That service includes internet, mobile and copper home phone.
View and compare all the DTV channels and packages in our interactive table.
With respect to DIRECTV, they purchased it for over 5 billion in 2015 and immediately made some sweeping changes to the service. Starting with an overhaul of DIRECTV Now and its programming lineup to various content partnership changes on DIRECTV (some for the better, others the worse), AT&T made every effort to fit the DIRECTV brand into its ecosphere. And while it worked in some facets, overall, there were a bunch of strategic/branding issues all along the way. A couple years ago, AT&T figured it was time to admit they weren't the best fit for DIRECTV and they sold a majority stake to a private investment firm. They'll likely sell the rest of their ownership in due time. The split has revitalized DIRECTV, letting them navigate their own course once again... and freeing up AT&T to focus on the growth of internet and mobile.
Advantages
- Multiple cost-saving bundling opportunities (incl. with mobile)
- Industry-leading internet, phone and TV geographic coverage
- Solid security against phishing and other account hacks
Disadvantages
- Difficut-to-reach customer service (but getting better)
- Traditionally not as high-tech but improving
Latest AT&T News
AT&T entered the original content creation and streaming world, like Netflix, via a new App and service called Max (previously HBO Max). Having acquired Warnermedia and thus HBO and Cinemax, they've decided to extend HBO's branding get power and go head on with Netflix, hulu, etc. Thanks to a string of success with original programming, Max is now one of the highest-rated stand-alone streaming apps around.