AT&T: its main competitors in US and globally

AT&T has amongt main competitors América Móvil, Telefónica, Orange Business Services, BT, Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Verizon Communications, Facebook and Google.

Overall, AT&T perceives that competition continues to increase for communications, media entertainment, and digital services from traditional and non-traditional competitors.

Technological advances have expanded the types and uses of available services and products.

In addition, the lack of or a reduced level of regulation of comparable legacy services has reduced costs for alternative communications service providers.

As a result, AT&T faces continued competition, as well as some new opportunities in important parts of its business.

AT&T

Wireless

The company faces substantial competition in its wireless businesses.

Under current FCC rules, multiple licensees, providing wireless services on cellular, PCS, advanced wireless services, 700 MHz, and other spectrum bands, can operate in each of their service areas in the United States.

Among its competitors are two national wireless providers; a greater number of regional providers and resellers of these services, and certain cable companies.

Additionally, AT&T faces competition from providers that offer voice, text messaging, and other services such as applications over data networks.

Now AT&T is one of the four facility-based providers in Mexico (retail and wholesale), with the most significant market share controlled by América Móvil.

Video/Broadband

AT&T companies that provide communications and digital entertainment services will face continued competitive pressure in 2021 from multiple providers, including online, wireless, satellite, cable video providers, and resellers.

In addition, the desire for high-speed data on demand, including video, continues to drive customers to cancel their traditional wired or linear services and use their wireless, satellite, and Internet-based or competitor services.

The company has launched its own OTT video and streaming options to attract or retain customers who don’t want a traditional large-scale video package.

In most US markets, AT&T competes for customers with large cable companies for voice, video, and high-speed Internet services and other smaller telecommunications companies for local and long-distance services.

In addition, in the Latin American countries served by its subsidiary Vrio, it also faces competition from other video providers, including América Móvil and Telefónica.

Voice and data

The company continues to lose legacy voice and data subscribers to competition (for example, wireless, cable, and VoIP providers) who can provide comparable services at lower prices because they are not subject to traditional telephone industry regulation.

Additionally, AT&T provides local and interstate switched and telephone services to other service providers, primarily large Internet service providers using the largest class of nationwide Internet networks (Internet backbone), wireless carriers, other telephone companies , cable companies and system integrators.

These services are subject to additional competitive pressures arising from the development of new technologies, the introduction of innovative offerings and the increase in the transmission capacity of satellite, wireless, fiber optic and cable services.

AT&T faces a number of international competitors, including Orange Business Services, BT, Singapore Telecommunications Limited, and Verizon Communications Inc., as well as competition from several large system integrators.

Media

Its WarnerMedia businesses face changes in consumer viewing patterns, increased competition from streaming services, and expansion from other companies, particularly technology companies.

In May 2020, AT&T launched HBO Max, its premium video and content platform that is offered directly to consumers, as well as through its traditional distributors.

Advertising

The increased amount of time consumers spend online and on mobile has caused advertising budgets to shift from traditional television to digital advertising.

WarnerMedia’s television networks and advertising-supported digital properties compete with broadcast services, other digital networks and properties, print, radio and other media.

Like all participants in the ad tech industry, AT&T faces dominance from Google, as well as influence from Facebook, whose practices can result in decreased ability and willingness for advertisers and developers to adopt solutions. programmatic offered by alternative providers.