AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfresh on 5G business plans

AT&T said it planning a balanced approach to 5G. Its strategy of deploying 5G in both sub-6 (5G) and mmWave (5G+) spectrum bands provides a mix of speeds, latency and coverage for consumers and businesses.
AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfreshAT&T has deployed 5G+ nodes in parts of 38 cities across the U.S.

Between 2016 and 2020, AT&T’s total investment in the United States, including capital investment and acquisitions of spectrum and wireless operations, was more than $105 billion. Over the past five years, AT&T has invested more in the United States than any other public company.

Jeff McElfresh, CEO – AT&T Communications, said: “Over the past five years, AT&T has invested more capital in the U.S. than any other public company.”

AT&T’s 5G network now covers 230 million Americans in 14,000 cities and towns and AT&T 5G+ is now available in parts of 38 cities in the U.S.

AT&T aims to utilize combination of assets across WarnerMedia and AT&T coupled with fiber and mobility strengths to win.

The U.S. wireless carrier has invested heavily to break into the streaming video market dominated by Netflix Inc and Walt Disney Co’s Disney+.

The company said it expects $14 in average revenue per user for HBO Max in the United States by 2025, up from $12 this year.

Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service, booked $6.64 billion in revenue in its fourth quarter.

HBO Max, which launched in May, includes 10,000 hours of content from brands and libraries such as Warner Bros, New Line Cinema and Cartoon Network.

HBO Max will also expand internationally to 60 markets including in Latin America and Europe.

AT&T said on Friday it expects up to 150 million global subscribers for its video services HBO Max and HBO, and $15 billion in revenue for the businesses by the end of 2025, as more people turn to cheaper streaming services for entertainment.

AT&T 5G plans

During the C-band auction, AT&T secured 80 MHz of spectrum and 29 percent share of the available licenses.

AT&T plans to deploy this mid-band spectrum starting at the end of this year and into 2022 and beyond complementing its nationwide 5G network on low band and to deliver faster average speeds across the country.

AT&T will be deploying 5G+ in 17 sporting venues by the end of 2021 including stadiums, arenas and practice facilities. This will bring total to 40+ 5G-connected venues. AT&T is the official 5G wireless network sponsors of the NCAA, NBA, WNBA, and MLS.

AT&T will be lighting up more than 30 company-owned retail locations with 5G+ by the end of this year. AT&T aims to revolutionize in-store shopping for customers by demonstrating the power of 5G. AT&T’s WarnerMedia content and innovations will bring 5G to life for customers.

AT&T is launching 5G+ at an additional 7 airports by the end of this year. AT&T plans to expand its 5G footprint into the world of autonomous vehicles and connecting trains for seamless travel experiences.

AT&T’s business fiber network connects more than 2.5 million business customer locations. AT&T will be offering new fixed wireless router options from Sierra Wireless and Cradlepoint that give businesses better access to all the benefits of 5G.

AT&T will offer 5G to university campuses, including University of Miami, Purdue University, and others by the end of 2021. AT&T’s 5G will provide the foundation for innovation centers, research labs and classrooms to bring VR and AR capabilities to students and professors.

AT&T recently announced its intention to explore 5G-powered healthcare innovations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes how to use augmented and virtual reality in a variety of settings.

Baburajan Kizhakedath