Core Insights - AT&T, Inc. is collaborating with AST Spacemobile to enhance satellite connectivity, targeting underserved rural and remote areas in the U.S. where traditional network deployment is challenging [1][9] - ASTS has launched Bluebird 6, the largest commercial communications satellite in low earth orbit, and AT&T has activated its fourth satellite ground gateway to connect satellites with its core network [2][9] - AT&T plans to initiate beta satellite service for select customers and FirstNet users in the first half of 2026, which will improve connectivity for public safety operations [2][3] Company Strategy - The partnership with ASTS aims to overcome limitations of terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in sparsely populated regions [1] - FirstNet, AT&T's public safety network, is currently testing ASTS satellite services with various public safety agencies, which could enhance services for first responders in remote areas [3][9] Competitive Landscape - AT&T faces competition from T-Mobile, which is collaborating with Starlink for its direct-to-cell services and has begun beta testing in 2024 [4] - Verizon has also partnered with ASTS to expand its SATCOM capabilities, utilizing its low band spectrum to enhance coverage in remote areas, posing a challenge to AT&T's initiatives [5] Financial Performance - AT&T's stock has increased by 9.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 1.7% decline in the industry [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 11, which is below the industry average of 11.86 [10] - Earnings estimates for 2025 have risen by 0.5% to $2.06, while estimates for 2026 remain unchanged [11]

FirstNet Program Overview - FirstNet provides connectivity for public safety during emergencies [3] - FirstNet responds to public safety requests with rapidly deployable assets [3] - FirstNet and AT&T support public safety with various assets [4] Emergency Response Capabilities - FirstNet uses response communications vehicles for planned and unplanned events [2] - These vehicles are deployed at events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix [2] - The assets ensure public safety can communicate in case of catastrophic or technological failure [4] Deployment and Logistics - Assets can be carried on a pickup truck and deployed by one person in minutes [3] - FirstNet personnel and equipment are present at command centers [2]

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. has partnered with the Tampa Police Department to launch a connected officer initiative, equipping patrolling officers with advanced smartphones for law enforcement applications [1][8] Group 1: Partnership and Initiative - The Tampa Police Department is introducing a connected officer initiative with Verizon Frontline, aiming to enhance communication for patrolling officers [1][8] - Verizon will deploy approximately 950 5G Ultra-Wideband-enabled smartphones to improve the police department's communication infrastructure [2][8] Group 2: Network Upgrades - Verizon is conducting significant network upgrades in Florida, focusing on enhancing the fiber network to improve resilience against harsh weather and boost disaster preparedness [2][8] Group 3: Market Context - The global public safety and security market is projected to grow from $516.68 billion in 2024 to $1.1 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3% [4] - The U.S. public safety and security market holds the largest share, presenting an opportunity for Verizon to capitalize on this trend [4] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Verizon faces competition from T-Mobile and AT&T in the public safety connectivity sector, with T-Mobile expanding its T-Priority 5G coverage and AT&T enhancing its FirstNet infrastructure [5][6] - T-Mobile's T-Priority product is designed for first responders, while AT&T's FirstNet is a dedicated network for public safety [5][6] Group 5: Financial Performance - Verizon's stock has decreased by 0.7% over the past year, contrasting with the Wireless National industry's growth of 14.9% [7] - The company's price/earnings ratio is currently at 9.07, down from the industry average of 13.6 [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total shareholder return of 44% in the previous year, outperforming the S&P and other major wireless and cable providers [14] - Net debt has been reduced by more than $30 billion since 2020, and the company is now operating within its leverage target of net debt to adjusted EBITDA in the 2.5 times range [13][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobility business is growing by attracting high-quality, profitable subscribers, with four out of every ten AT&T fiber households now choosing AT&T wireless [12][24] - The fiber network is now passing 29.5 million locations, showcasing the company's leadership in fiber connectivity [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has invested more capital than any other in U.S. telecommunications infrastructure over the past five years while managing to improve its balance sheet [13][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on being the best connectivity provider through 5G and fiber, with a strategy that emphasizes growing durable customer relationships, efficiency, and deliberate capital allocation [11][12] - Plans include exiting the majority of copper-based infrastructure by the end of 2029 and modernizing the wireless network to be more open and interoperable [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to drive sustainable growth through economic cycles, emphasizing the critical nature of connectivity services [25] - The company is committed to balancing increased shareholder returns with continued investments in network expansion and modernization [15][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to return over $40 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends between 2025 and 2027 [15] - The board has combined the roles of chairman and CEO to provide greater agility in governance and execution of the long-term capital allocation plan [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why does AT&T have conviction in the strategy presented at the Analyst and Investor Day? - The company believes in the increasing demand for always-on connectivity, the need for dense fiber networks, customer demand for simplicity, and the importance of scale in the industry [20][21] Question: How does AT&T feel about its position compared to peers in the competitive wireless industry? - Management feels well-positioned, noting the ability to attract high-value subscribers and the unique offering of both 5G and fiber services [22][23] Question: What is AT&T's view on the health of the consumer amid potential recession? - The company does not see itself as a leading indicator of discretionary spending but believes it is well-positioned to drive sustainable growth through economic cycles [25] Question: How is AT&T balancing the need to invest for the future while ensuring financial flexibility? - The company has invested heavily in telecommunications infrastructure while managing costs and maintaining a healthy balance sheet [29][30] Question: Why did the board decide to combine the chairman and CEO role? - The combination is seen as beneficial for governance and agility in executing the long-term capital allocation plan [32] Question: How does AT&T plan to serve customers who still rely on the legacy copper network? - The company is committed to modernizing infrastructure while ensuring that no customers are left behind, providing robust access to the internet and essential services [35][36]