AT&T Sees Tons Of New Activations, 5.2 Million Were iPhones

There's no question that the iPhone is being challenged more now than ever before. Android activations are on the rise, and Windows Phone 7 is just about here. Plus, Nokia's C8 has put Symbian back on the map. But the iPhone momentum seems as strong ever, despite all of those facts. AT&T just released their Q3 2010 financial numbers, and they look great. Of course, we have to wonder how they'd look without the iPhone exclusive, but that's just conjecture. The reality is that the iPhone is still AT&T's alone, and it's helping the bottom line immensely.


AT&T added nearly 1.6 million emerging device connections this past quarter and passed the 8.5 million total device mark. In the past four quarters, over 4.5 million connected devices have been added to the AT&T network; that sounds great for investors, but given the bandwidth crunch, it's worrisome to existing subscribers who can't seem to find enough of it as-is in larger cities. The total third quarter emerging devices growth, which includes 1.2 million connected devices as well as embedded computing devices, was nearly 1.6 million. Embedded computing devices include tablets, netbooks and laptops, and are included in either the company’s postpaid or prepaid subscriber categories.

Reports have noted that AT&T landed 5.2 million iPhone activations, which represents a 62% gain over the 3.2 million iPhone activations of last quarter. There's a good chance numbers continue to look up in the quarters to come with Windows Phone 7 coming next month, but who knows what next year will hold if that Verizon iPhone ever materializes.

AT&T Adds Nearly 1.6 Million Emerging Device Connections in 3Q; Passes 8.5 Million Total Devices Mark

Emerging Consumer and Business Device Leadership Enables AT&T to Mobilize Everything for Customers: eReaders, Tracking Devices, Photo Frames, Meter Readers and More
Dallas, Texas, October 22, 2010

AT&T*, which offers the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network,  announced  more than 4.5 million connected devices have been added to the AT&T network in the past four quarters. The total third quarter emerging devices growth, which includes 1.2 million connected devices as well as embedded computing devices, was nearly 1.6 million. Embedded computing devices include tablets, netbooks and laptops, and are included in either the company’s postpaid or prepaid subscriber categories.

The total number of emerging devices, including postpaid and prepaid embedded computing devices, connected to the AT&T network – both for consumers and businesses – now exceeds 8.5 million.

AT&T has certified more than 910 specialty devices that can be used for consumer or business solutions, such as eReaders, netbooks, digital photo frames, personal navigation devices, home security monitoring and smart grid devices – for use on its wireless network.

AT&T’s wireless network enables consumers and business customers access to a range of new, innovative solutions and applications that help make their lives and workplaces more efficient and productive. The AT&T emerging devices portfolio includes consumer electronics devices, rugged handsets and laptops for industrial environments. In addition, AT&T’s machine-to-machine applications enable enterprises and governments to track, monitor, maintain and manage their remote assets to optimize asset utilization and fully mobilize their business processes.

“We remain a top choice for consumer electronics manufacturers, including several who are now running their second generation of connected products on our network,” said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. “Leading consumer electronics companies, business device manufacturers and start ups choose AT&T because of the advantages we provide:   the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, the GSM world standard for wireless technology, the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network, flexible business models, and a dedicated device certification lab.”

AT&T created its emerging devices organization in 2008 and has emerged as the clear industry leader in one of the wireless industry’s fastest growing areas. Recognizing the growing demand for emerging device solutions in the enterprise market, AT&T also formed the Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions Group in May 2010. The group delivers advanced mobile applications and solutions for both traditional and emerging devices to businesses, governments and organizations of all sizes.

 “Since we formed our Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions group earlier this year, we’ve been collaborating more and more with our Emerging Devices team to deliver to customers a complete mobile experience,” said Michael Antieri, president, advanced enterprise mobility solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. “Our team works to define, deliver and deploy business solutions that help corporations and government agencies wirelessly enable their business applications on virtually any device.”

Consumer electronics and next generation device manufacturers are encouraged to learn more about AT&T’s emerging devices organization through the dedicated www.att.com/edo Web site.

Consumer electronics and next generation device manufacturers are encouraged to learn more about AT&T’s emerging devices organization through the dedicated Emerging Devices Web site.

The site includes an AT&T Connection Kit, a Device Certification On-Boarding Tool, and information to help prospective business allies determine the right business model, network options, product specifications, and potential customer care and distribution solutions.