Categories : February 2009
AT&T to Invest $1 Billion
On Monday, Dallas-based telecom company, AT&T Inc., announced plans to invest $1 billion in global network expansion. By reaching more countries, the company strives to strengthen its business services.
CTIA Wireless 2009
AT&T, Dallas-based telecom giant, announced today that it will host the fourth annual Fast-Pitch Platinum Awards contest at CTIA 2009. CTIA, which stands for Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, holds an annual event in Las Vegas. More than 1,000 exhibiting companies, dozens of industries and more than 40,000 professionals from all over the world unite with the common goal of advancing wireless technology.
The Fast-Pitch Platinum Awards contest will take place during CTIA 2009, April 1-2, and AT&T’s official devCentral will host the event. The contest seeks the nation’s most innovative wireless applications. In addition to receiving cash prizes, the best developers will have the opportunity to market with AT&T and be crowned 2009 Fast-Pitch Platinum Award winner.
"Openness is about offering all of our customer’s great choices in applications, devices, operating systems and much more," said Vice President-Voice and Data Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, Mark Collins. "The Fast-Pitch contest helps us identify and encourage the best of our country's creative technical talent, so we can rapidly deliver the benefits of that creativity to our customers."
AT&T is now accepting applications from developers, and the deadline for submission is March 10. Developers invited to participate will have five minutes to present their wireless application to a panel of judges. All eligible content and applications must be functioning on a cellular handset.
"Fast-Pitch has been an extremely successful program in helping us to find unique and innovative applications that serve our customers," said Collins. "Through this contest, we are able to seek out the best wireless applications for consumer and business customers."
AT&T has more than 20,000 developers registered in the program, operating since 2002. Developers are encouraged to create applications and content for iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile Blackberry, Java, Symbian and Palm OS devices. Those interested in participating in the 2009 Fast-Pitch at CTIA must register online at http://developer.att.com/fast-pitch.
ATT Adds Nearly 100 New Sites
Today AT&T Mobility announced a plan to expand its 3G (third-generation) network in Florida, with 100 cell sites to be constructed in 2009. Nearly 600 sites will be added throughout the Southeastern United States, helping AT&T customers keep up with today’s fast-paced and increasingly mobile world. According to recent data, AT&T offers America’s fastest 3G Network.
AT&T’s 3G Network provides users with downlink speeds ranging between 700 kilobits per second and 1.7 megabits per second. Uplink speeds range between 500 kilobits per second and 1.2 megabits per second. With AT&T’s advanced 3G Network, users can utilize state of the art technology, such as AT&T Video Share, which allows users to share live video during a wireless call.
"Our mission is to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work, and to do it better than anyone else," said the President of AT&T Florida, Marshall Criser, III. "The investment we're making in Florida will help us fulfill this vision."
Since 2006, AT&T Mobility has invested nearly $725 million in its Florida network. In 2009, 3G service will be expanded in Melbourne, Cape Canaveral, Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. In Ocala, St. Augustine, Panama City, Palatka, Palm Coast and Lake City AT&T’s 3G service will be introduced for the first time.
AT&T’s 3G Network is currently available in nearly 350 major U.S. cities, including most regions of Florida. Built on the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), the world’s most utilized mobile technology, AT&T’s mobile products work in more than 200 countries. AT&T’s 2009 expansion plan will construct 25 new sites in North Florida, 20 in Central Florida, 25 in West Florida and 30 in South Florida. For information on how this expansion will affect your region, click here.
AT&T May By Portion of Verizons Assets
AT&T Inc. is reportedly among the top companies bidding for a $3 billion chunk of competitor Verizon Communication’s newly attained assets. Verizon’s recent acquisition of Alltel Corp. risks violating federal antitrust laws, which are in place to ensure that market competition thrives. In order to comply with these regulations, Verizon agreed to sell a portion of recently acquired Alltel customer accounts to the highest bidder.
According to the Wall Street Journal, other bidders include Providence Equity Partners LLC; the private-equity firms Carlyle Group and Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts & Co.; and at least one unnamed cable provider. AT&T and Verizon currently comprise more than 60% of the U.S. market.
Due to the economic recession, AT&T is among the few U.S. companies with the $3 billion dollars in funding needed to purchase Verizon’s surplus market share. While most of Alltel’s network is compatible with Verizon’s wireless service, only a small portion of the carrier’s obscure network uses the same technology as AT&T.
As a result of Verizon’s purchase of Alltel, AT&T was replaced as the No. 1 wireless carrier in the U.S. Verizon currently services more than 80 million mobile customers, and AT&T services 77 million. Sprint Nextel’s market share has been steadily decreasing, and T-Mobile trails well behind as the No. 4 wireless carrier. Nonprofit organizations say that the U.S. wireless market has too little competition.
AT&T experienced a 1.4% increase in stock prices following the Wednesday’s announcement, while Verizon’s stock only increased by a few pennies.
AT&T and DIRECTV Join Forces
On Monday, wireless powerhouse AT&T began offering monthly discounts for customers who opt to bundle broadband internet, phone and wireless packages with DIRECTV’s satellite service. In addition to the above mentioned incentives, AT&T is also looking for alternative ways to utilize DIRECTV’s programming with TVs, PCs and other wireless devices.
AT&T’s former partnership with DISH Network was dropped in favor of DIRECTV, which services 17 million customers nationwide. As a part of their “AT&T Advanced TV” video portfolio, AT&T will resell DIRECTV services. Customers will receive a $5 monthly discount for combining DIRECTV services with any AT&T product. Those who were previously customers of both companies can contact AT&T to request the discount.
“Consumers today are looking for TV programming, features and equipment that enhance their entertainment experience, at a great price and as part of a complete, integrated bundle of services,” said AT&T’s vice president of video services, Jeff Weber, “by combining the strengths of our companies, we’re well-positioned to grow our subscriber base and build the foundation for future innovative features and integrated services.”
As an added benefit, the new partnership will assist AT&T in promoting its own video service called U-Verse. Analysts said that AT&T’s relationship with DIRECTV will supplement this service, making it possible to compete with cable companies such as Time Warner.
“U-Verse is a great product, but it’s not available everywhere – and it never will be available everywhere,” telecom analyst Jeff Kagan said. “In markets where it’s not available, or in markets where people want something else, it makes sense for them to offer DIRECTV.”