Verizon blames government spending cutbacks for its poor phone subscriber numbers

Core Insights - Verizon experienced a loss of 289,000 postpaid phone subscribers in the first quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations of 185,000 losses [1] - The decline in subscribers is partially attributed to cuts in federal government accounts, as stated by Verizon's CEO Hans Vestberg [1] - Despite the subscriber loss, Verizon's operating revenue increased to $33.5 billion, surpassing the expected$33.3 billion [3] Subscriber Loss - The company lost 289,000 postpaid phone subscribers, which was higher than the anticipated loss of 185,000 by analysts [1] - CEO Hans Vestberg indicated that the subscriber drop was influenced by "pressure from federal government accounts" [1] - Specific details regarding which government cuts impacted subscriber numbers were not disclosed [1] Financial Performance - Verizon's operating revenue rose to $33.5 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of$33.3 billion [3] - Most of the company's capital expenditures are reportedly not "exposed to tariffs," according to Vestberg [3] Government Contracts - Verizon holds contracts with various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration [4] - Elon Musk criticized Verizon's work with the FAA earlier this year, but later softened his stance [4] - SpaceX, Musk's company, may benefit if the government terminates its FAA contract with Verizon [4]