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AT&T: Difference between revisions
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The modern company to bear the AT&T name began its history as the American District Telegraph Company, formed in [[St. Louis]] in 1878.<ref>{{cite book |last= Hast |first= Adele |date= 1992 |title= International Directory of Company Histories |location= Detroit |publisher= St. James Press |page= 328 |isbn= 1-55862-061-3 |quote= Southwestern Bell Telephone Company has about 20 predecessor companies. The four largest of these were American District Telegraph Company, formed in St. Louis, Missouri 1878; the Kansas City Telephone Exchange, formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1879, Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Company, which began serving Texas and Arkansas in 1881; and Pioneer Telephone & Telegraph Company, which provided telephone service beginning in 1904 in Oklahoma – not then a state, but known as Indian Territory – and in parts of Kansas.}}</ref> After expanding services to [[Arkansas]], [[Kansas]], [[Oklahoma]] and [[Texas]] through a series of mergers, it became Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1920, which was then a subsidiary of [[AT&T Corporation|the original American Telephone & Telegraph Company]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Hast |first= Adele |date= 1992 |title= International Directory of Company Histories |location= Detroit |publisher= St. James Press |page= 328 |isbn= 1-55862-061-3 |quote= In 1917, the four companies began moving toward a more formal merge, with the Missouri & Kansas Telephone Company – the new name of the Kansas City Telephone Exchange – acquiring Bell Telephone Company of Missouri, successor to American District Telegraph. The resulting company was named Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Missouri). In 1920 this company bought Southwestern Telephone & Telegraph and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Oklahoma), the successor to Pioneer Telephone & Telegraph, establishing the new Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which was a subsidiary of AT&T.}}</ref> The latter was a successor of the original [[Bell Telephone Company]] founded by [[Alexander Graham Bell]] in 1877.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 9 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= After the success of Bell's experiments, which resulted in the basic Bell patents of 1876 and 1877, a new company was organized for the purpose of commercial exploitation. The Bell Telephone Company, a Massachusetts voluntary association, was formed on July 9, 1877, with Gardiner G. Hubbard as trustee.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= The American Telephone and Telegraph Company was, therefore, incorporated in New York in 1885, as a subsidiary of American Bell Telephone Company, to operate long-distance telephone lines...In 1899, American Bell sold all of its assets to its subsidiary, AT&T...As a result of this transaction, AT&T emerged as the parent company in the Bell System, assuming the holding-company functions previously exercised by American Bell Telephone Company.}}</ref> The American Bell Telephone Company formed the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) subsidiary in 1885.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |pages= 11–12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= With increasing demands for telephones, the financial needs of the Bell System were expanding. To meet these needs, a new corporation, the American Bell Telephone Company, was created by a special act of the Massachusetts legislature... The American Telephone and Telegraph Company was, therefore, incorporated in New York in 1885, as a subsidiary of American Bell Telephone Company, to operate long-distance telephone lines, and Vail became its first president.}}</ref> In 1899, AT&T became the parent company after the American Bell Telephone Company sold its assets to its subsidiary.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= In 1899, American Bell sold all of its assets (except A.T.&T. stock) to its subsidiary, A.T.&T. It then offered to its stockholders two shares of the A.T.&T. stock which hit held, in exchange for one share of American Bell stock. As a result of this transaction, A.T.&T. emerged as the parent company in the Bell System, assuming the holding-company functions previously exercised by American Bell Telephone Company.}}</ref> During most of the 20th century, AT&T had a [[monopoly]] on phone service in the United States. The company was formally rebranded as [[AT&T Corporation]] in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/03/02/digest/5a77ece2-72ae-483f-86e3-a5167e6ce3c3/ |title= DIGEST |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]] |date= March 2, 1994 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= AT&T is asking shareholders to change its official name from American Telephone & Telegraph Co. to AT&T Corp. at the annual meeting April 20 in Atlanta. |archive-date= May 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210520180230/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/03/02/digest/5a77ece2-72ae-483f-86e3-a5167e6ce3c3/ |url-status= live }}</ref> | The modern company to bear the AT&T name began its history as the American District Telegraph Company, formed in [[St. Louis]] in 1878.<ref>{{cite book |last= Hast |first= Adele |date= 1992 |title= International Directory of Company Histories |location= Detroit |publisher= St. James Press |page= 328 |isbn= 1-55862-061-3 |quote= Southwestern Bell Telephone Company has about 20 predecessor companies. The four largest of these were American District Telegraph Company, formed in St. Louis, Missouri 1878; the Kansas City Telephone Exchange, formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1879, Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Company, which began serving Texas and Arkansas in 1881; and Pioneer Telephone & Telegraph Company, which provided telephone service beginning in 1904 in Oklahoma – not then a state, but known as Indian Territory – and in parts of Kansas.}}</ref> After expanding services to [[Arkansas]], [[Kansas]], [[Oklahoma]] and [[Texas]] through a series of mergers, it became Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1920, which was then a subsidiary of [[AT&T Corporation|the original American Telephone & Telegraph Company]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Hast |first= Adele |date= 1992 |title= International Directory of Company Histories |location= Detroit |publisher= St. James Press |page= 328 |isbn= 1-55862-061-3 |quote= In 1917, the four companies began moving toward a more formal merge, with the Missouri & Kansas Telephone Company – the new name of the Kansas City Telephone Exchange – acquiring Bell Telephone Company of Missouri, successor to American District Telegraph. The resulting company was named Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Missouri). In 1920 this company bought Southwestern Telephone & Telegraph and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Oklahoma), the successor to Pioneer Telephone & Telegraph, establishing the new Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which was a subsidiary of AT&T.}}</ref> The latter was a successor of the original [[Bell Telephone Company]] founded by [[Alexander Graham Bell]] in 1877.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 9 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= After the success of Bell's experiments, which resulted in the basic Bell patents of 1876 and 1877, a new company was organized for the purpose of commercial exploitation. The Bell Telephone Company, a Massachusetts voluntary association, was formed on July 9, 1877, with Gardiner G. Hubbard as trustee.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= The American Telephone and Telegraph Company was, therefore, incorporated in New York in 1885, as a subsidiary of American Bell Telephone Company, to operate long-distance telephone lines...In 1899, American Bell sold all of its assets to its subsidiary, AT&T...As a result of this transaction, AT&T emerged as the parent company in the Bell System, assuming the holding-company functions previously exercised by American Bell Telephone Company.}}</ref> The American Bell Telephone Company formed the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) subsidiary in 1885.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |pages= 11–12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= With increasing demands for telephones, the financial needs of the Bell System were expanding. To meet these needs, a new corporation, the American Bell Telephone Company, was created by a special act of the Massachusetts legislature... The American Telephone and Telegraph Company was, therefore, incorporated in New York in 1885, as a subsidiary of American Bell Telephone Company, to operate long-distance telephone lines, and Vail became its first president.}}</ref> In 1899, AT&T became the parent company after the American Bell Telephone Company sold its assets to its subsidiary.<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first= N.R. |date= 1939 |title= A.T.&T. The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= [[Vanguard Press]] |page= 12 |isbn= 9780405060380 |quote= In 1899, American Bell sold all of its assets (except A.T.&T. stock) to its subsidiary, A.T.&T. It then offered to its stockholders two shares of the A.T.&T. stock which hit held, in exchange for one share of American Bell stock. As a result of this transaction, A.T.&T. emerged as the parent company in the Bell System, assuming the holding-company functions previously exercised by American Bell Telephone Company.}}</ref> During most of the 20th century, AT&T had a [[monopoly]] on phone service in the United States. The company was formally rebranded as [[AT&T Corporation]] in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/03/02/digest/5a77ece2-72ae-483f-86e3-a5167e6ce3c3/ |title= DIGEST |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]] |date= March 2, 1994 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= AT&T is asking shareholders to change its official name from American Telephone & Telegraph Co. to AT&T Corp. at the annual meeting April 20 in Atlanta. |archive-date= May 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210520180230/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/03/02/digest/5a77ece2-72ae-483f-86e3-a5167e6ce3c3/ |url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
The 1982 ''[[United States v. AT&T (1982)|United States v. AT&T]]'' [[antitrust]] lawsuit resulted in the [[Breakup of the Bell System|divestiture]] of AT&T's ("Ma Bell") local operating subsidiaries<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |title= THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE |work= | The 1982 ''[[United States v. AT&T (1982)|United States v. AT&T]]'' [[antitrust]] lawsuit resulted in the [[Breakup of the Bell System|divestiture]] of AT&T's ("Ma Bell") local operating subsidiaries<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |title= THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE |work= The New York Times |date= October 25, 1983 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= Under the antitrust settlement A.T.& T. signed with the Justice Department in January 1982, the divested organizations not only will be local telephone carriers, but, with certain restrictions, they will have the right to enter other businesses as well. |archive-date= May 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150524142738/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |url-status= live }}</ref> which were grouped into seven<ref name="THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE">{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |title= THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE |work= The New York Times |date= October 25, 1983 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= The 7 Holding Companies. The seven regional holding companies that will result from the breakup of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company are sketched here, with a brief outline of their potential strengths and weaknesses. |archive-date= May 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150524142738/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |url-status= live }}</ref> [[Regional Bell Operating Company|Regional Bell Operating Companies]] (RBOCs), commonly referred to as "Baby Bells", resulting in seven independent companies,<ref name="THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE"/> including Southwestern Bell Corporation (SBC).<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |title= THE CHALLENGE OF DIVESTITURE |work= The New York Times |date= October 25, 1983 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= Southwestern Bell, stretching from Arkansas through Texas into Missouri, will have only one existing local operating company, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, under it, saving it any pains of integration. |archive-date= May 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150524142738/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/25/business/the-challenge-of-divestiture.html |url-status= live }}</ref> The latter changed its name to SBC Communications Inc. in 1995.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2002/12/09/daily20.html?page=2 |title= SBC drops Southwestern Bell, other brand names |work= [[American City Business Journals|Kansas City Business Journal]] |date= December 10, 2002 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= In 1995, the former Bell company took on the SBC Communications name. |archive-date= May 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210520180145/https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2002/12/09/daily20.html?page=2 |url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
In 2005, SBC purchased its former parent AT&T Corp. and took on the latter's branding, history, and stock trading symbol, as well as a version of its iconic logo. The merged entity, naming itself AT&T Inc., launched on December 30, 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-19-0511190029-story.html |title= SBC wraps up acquisition of AT&T |newspaper= [[Chicago Tribune]] |date= November 19, 2005 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= SBC will unveil a new AT&T logo Monday as it outlines plans for changing the name of the merged company...The combined company will adopt AT&T's stock symbol, T, on the New York Stock Exchange beginning Dec. 1. |archive-date= May 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210520175139/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The newly merged and renamed AT&T Inc. acquired [[BellSouth|BellSouth Corporation]] in 2006, the last independent Baby Bell, making the two companies' joint venture [[Cingular|Cingular Wireless]] (which had itself acquired [[AT&T Wireless]] in 2004) a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Cingular was then rebranded as [[AT&T Mobility]]. | In 2005, SBC purchased its former parent AT&T Corp. and took on the latter's branding, history, and stock trading symbol, as well as a version of its iconic logo. The merged entity, naming itself AT&T Inc., launched on December 30, 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-19-0511190029-story.html |title= SBC wraps up acquisition of AT&T |newspaper= [[Chicago Tribune]] |date= November 19, 2005 |access-date= March 23, 2021 |quote= SBC will unveil a new AT&T logo Monday as it outlines plans for changing the name of the merged company...The combined company will adopt AT&T's stock symbol, T, on the New York Stock Exchange beginning Dec. 1. |archive-date= May 20, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210520175139/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The newly merged and renamed AT&T Inc. acquired [[BellSouth|BellSouth Corporation]] in 2006, the last independent Baby Bell, making the two companies' joint venture [[Cingular|Cingular Wireless]] (which had itself acquired [[AT&T Wireless]] in 2004) a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Cingular was then rebranded as [[AT&T Mobility]]. | ||
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{{Further|History of AT&T#Origins|History of AT&T#Monopoly}} | {{Further|History of AT&T#Origins|History of AT&T#Monopoly}} | ||
AT&T was founded as Bell Telephone Company by [[Alexander Graham Bell]], [[Thomas A. Watson|Thomas Watson]] and [[Gardiner Greene Hubbard]] after Bell's patenting of the telephone in 1875.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home{{!}} History{{!}} AT&T |url=https://www.corp.att.com/history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105114300/http://www.corp.att.com/history/ |archive-date=November 5, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2017 |website=www.corp.att.com |language=en}}</ref> By 1881, Bell Telephone Company had become the American Bell Telephone Company.<ref>{{cite book |last= Brooks |first= John |date= 1976 |title= Telephone: The First Hundred Years |location= New York |publisher= [[Harper (publisher)|Harper & Row]] |page= 73 |isbn= 0-06-010540-2 |quote= Early in 1881, the American Bell Telephone Company – as it came to be called beginning in March 1880 – issued its first annual report to stockholders.}}</ref> One of its subsidiaries was the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), established in 1885.<ref>{{cite news |date= February 13, 2016 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/02/12/technology/att-history.html |title= AT&T's History of Invention and Breakups |work= | AT&T was founded as Bell Telephone Company by [[Alexander Graham Bell]], [[Thomas A. Watson|Thomas Watson]] and [[Gardiner Greene Hubbard]] after Bell's patenting of the telephone in 1875.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home{{!}} History{{!}} AT&T |url=https://www.corp.att.com/history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105114300/http://www.corp.att.com/history/ |archive-date=November 5, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2017 |website=www.corp.att.com |language=en}}</ref> By 1881, Bell Telephone Company had become the American Bell Telephone Company.<ref>{{cite book |last= Brooks |first= John |date= 1976 |title= Telephone: The First Hundred Years |location= New York |publisher= [[Harper (publisher)|Harper & Row]] |page= 73 |isbn= 0-06-010540-2 |quote= Early in 1881, the American Bell Telephone Company – as it came to be called beginning in March 1880 – issued its first annual report to stockholders.}}</ref> One of its subsidiaries was the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), established in 1885.<ref>{{cite news |date= February 13, 2016 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/02/12/technology/att-history.html |title= AT&T's History of Invention and Breakups |work= The New York Times |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= 1885 - The American Telephone and Telegraph Company is created as a subsidiary of Bell Telephone to build and operate a long-distance telephone network. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035749/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/02/12/technology/att-history.html |url-status= live }}</ref> On December 30, 1899, AT&T acquired the assets of its parent American Bell Telephone, becoming the new parent company.<ref>{{cite book |last= Brooks |first= John |date= 1975 |title= TELEPHONE The First Hundred Years |location= New York |publisher= [[Harper (publisher)|Harper & Row]] |page= 107 |isbn= 0-06-010540-2 |quote= Accordingly, the American Bell management bad farewell to Boston and gradually moved its offices to downtown Manhattan, and on December 30, 1899 – the next-to-last day of the old century – AT&T, with a new capitalization of over seventy million dollars, became the parent company of the Bell System, which, of course, it has remained ever since.}}</ref> '''AT&T''' established a network of local telephone subsidiaries in the United States. AT&T and its subsidiaries held a phone service [[monopoly]], authorized in 1913 by government authorities with the [[Kingsbury Commitment]], throughout most of the twentieth century.<ref>{{cite web |last= Griffin |first= Jodie |date= December 19, 2013 |url= https://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/100th-anniversary-of-the-kingsbury-commitment/ |title= 100th Anniversary of the Kingsbury Commitment |website= [[Public Knowledge]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= In 1913, the U.S. filed an antitrust lawsuit against AT&T to break up its growing monopoly in the phone service market. While Congress contemplated nationalizing the long distance telephone network, AT&T settled the antitrust lawsuit with the Kingsbury Commitment. In the Kingsbury Commitment, AT&T agreed to allow independent local telephone companies to interconnect with AT&T's long distance network, divest Western Union, and refrain from purchasing other companies if the Interstate Commerce Commission objected. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035752/https://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/100th-anniversary-of-the-kingsbury-commitment/ |url-status= live }}</ref> This monopoly was known as the [[Bell System]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |date=January 1, 1984 |title=BELL SYSTEM BREAKUP OPENS ERA OF GREAT EXPECTATIONS AND GREAT CONCERN |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/01/us/bell-system-breakup-opens-era-of-great-expectations-and-great-concern.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813111702/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/01/us/bell-system-breakup-opens-era-of-great-expectations-and-great-concern.html |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and during this period, AT&T was also known by the nickname ''Ma Bell''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pagliery |first=Jose |date=May 20, 2014 |title=How AT&T got busted up and pieced back together |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/20/technology/att-merger-history/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312095025/https://money.cnn.com/2014/05/20/technology/att-merger-history/index.html |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |website=CNNMoney}}</ref> | ||
=== Breakup and reformation (1982–2004) === | === Breakup and reformation (1982–2004) === | ||
{{Further|United States v. AT&T (1982){{!}}''United States v. AT&T'' (1982)|Breakup of the Bell System|History of AT&T#Breakup|History of AT&T#Post break-up restructuring}} | {{Further|United States v. AT&T (1982){{!}}''United States v. AT&T'' (1982)|Breakup of the Bell System|History of AT&T#Breakup|History of AT&T#Post break-up restructuring}} | ||
In 1982, U.S. [[Breakup of the Bell System|regulators broke up the AT&T monopoly]], requiring AT&T to divest its local subsidiaries, which it did by grouping them into seven individual companies.<ref>{{cite news |last= Pollack |first= Andrew |date= August 4, 1983 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/04/business/at-t-us-agree-on-final-aspects-of-bell-breakup.html |title= A.T.& T., U.S. AGREE ON FINAL ASPECTS OF BELL BREAKUP |work= | In 1982, U.S. [[Breakup of the Bell System|regulators broke up the AT&T monopoly]], requiring AT&T to divest its local subsidiaries, which it did by grouping them into seven individual companies.<ref>{{cite news |last= Pollack |first= Andrew |date= August 4, 1983 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/04/business/at-t-us-agree-on-final-aspects-of-bell-breakup.html |title= A.T.& T., U.S. AGREE ON FINAL ASPECTS OF BELL BREAKUP |work= The New York Times |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= The local companies, grouped into seven regional holding companies, will provide local telephone service and can sell, but not manufacture, telephone equipment. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035751/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/04/business/at-t-us-agree-on-final-aspects-of-bell-breakup.html |url-status= live }}</ref> These new companies were known as Regional Bell Operating Companies, or more informally, Baby Bells.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 3, 2014 |title=Lessons from the AT&T break up, 30 years later-CICTP |language=en-US |work=Tech Policy Daily |url=http://www.techpolicydaily.com/communications/lessons-att-break-30-years-later/ |access-date=April 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422035122/http://www.techpolicydaily.com/communications/lessons-att-break-30-years-later/ |archive-date=April 22, 2017}}</ref> AT&T continued to operate long-distance services but faced increasing competition from competitors such as [[MCI Communications|MCI]] and [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZMgb9jEvriUC&q=AT&pg=PA21 |title=Factors affecting U.S. trade and shipments of information technology products computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, and semiconductors |publisher=DIANE Publishing |isbn=978-1-4289-5190-7 |language=en |access-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313023400/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZMgb9jEvriUC&q=AT&pg=PA21#v=snippet&q=AT&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Southwestern Bell Corporation (SBC) was one of the companies created by the breakup of AT&T Corp.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=A brief history of AT&T - Jul. 9, 2001 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/09/deals/att_history/#:~:text=In%201899,%20AT&T%20bought%20Bell%27s,of%20$75%20for%20five%20minutes. |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=money.cnn.com |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107230504/https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/09/deals/att_history/#:~:text=In%201899,%20AT&T%20bought%20Bell%27s,of%20$75%20for%20five%20minutes. |url-status=live }}</ref> The company soon started a series of acquisitions, including the 1987 acquisition of [[Metromedia]] mobile business and the acquisition of several cable companies in the early 1990s.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} In the latter half of the 1990s, the company acquired several other telecommunications companies, including two Baby Bells ([[Pacific Telesis|Pacific Telesis Group]] and [[Ameritech|Ameritech Corporation]]),<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=TE004 |title= TELEPHONE INDUSTRY |website= [[Oklahoma Historical Society]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= After Congress de-regulated the telecommunications industry in February 1996, allowing regional companies to compete with long distance carriers, among other rule changes, SBC began to expand. In 1996 it merged with Pacific Telesis Group, and in 1998 the company bought the Ameritech Corporation. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035751/https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=TE004 |url-status= live }}</ref> while selling its cable business. During this time, the company changed its name to SBC Communications Inc.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roundup |first=An Interactive Journal News |date=June 24, 1998 |title=AT&T Agrees to Acquire TCI, Creating a Telecom Behemoth |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB898571162416331500 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703050823/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB898571162416331500 |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 1997 [[C. Michael Armstrong]] was named CEO, and Armstrong appointed [[John Zeglis]] as president later in that same year. By 1998, the company was in the top 15 of the Fortune 500, and by 1999, when Zeglis assumed the positions of chairman and CEO of [[At&t wireless|AT&T Wireless]], AT&T was part of the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] (lasting through 2015).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dow-jones-djia.com/2007/05/26/november-1-1999-changes-to-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |title= NOVEMBER 1, 1999 Changes to Dow Jones Industrial Average |website= Dow Jones Industrial Stocks |access-date= April 22, 2021 |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035752/http://www.dow-jones-djia.com/2007/05/26/november-1-1999-changes-to-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Gaffen |first= David |date= March 6, 2015 |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-dow/at-long-last-dow-gets-a-taste-for-apple-idUKKBN0M21H020150306 |title= At long last, Dow gets a taste for Apple |work= [[Reuters]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= Apple Inc AAPL.O, the largest U.S. company by market value, will join the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI, replacing AT&T Inc T.N, in a change that reflects the dominant position of the iPhone maker in the U.S. consumer economy. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035749/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-dow/at-long-last-dow-gets-a-taste-for-apple-idUKKBN0M21H020150306 |url-status= live }}</ref> Zeglis ended his service as president of AT&T in 2001 and resigned from his positions in AT&T Wireless in 2004. | Southwestern Bell Corporation (SBC) was one of the companies created by the breakup of AT&T Corp.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=A brief history of AT&T - Jul. 9, 2001 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/09/deals/att_history/#:~:text=In%201899,%20AT&T%20bought%20Bell%27s,of%20$75%20for%20five%20minutes. |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=money.cnn.com |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107230504/https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/09/deals/att_history/#:~:text=In%201899,%20AT&T%20bought%20Bell%27s,of%20$75%20for%20five%20minutes. |url-status=live }}</ref> The company soon started a series of acquisitions, including the 1987 acquisition of [[Metromedia]] mobile business and the acquisition of several cable companies in the early 1990s.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} In the latter half of the 1990s, the company acquired several other telecommunications companies, including two Baby Bells ([[Pacific Telesis|Pacific Telesis Group]] and [[Ameritech|Ameritech Corporation]]),<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=TE004 |title= TELEPHONE INDUSTRY |website= [[Oklahoma Historical Society]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= After Congress de-regulated the telecommunications industry in February 1996, allowing regional companies to compete with long distance carriers, among other rule changes, SBC began to expand. In 1996 it merged with Pacific Telesis Group, and in 1998 the company bought the Ameritech Corporation. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035751/https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=TE004 |url-status= live }}</ref> while selling its cable business. During this time, the company changed its name to SBC Communications Inc.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roundup |first=An Interactive Journal News |date=June 24, 1998 |title=AT&T Agrees to Acquire TCI, Creating a Telecom Behemoth |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB898571162416331500 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703050823/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB898571162416331500 |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 1997 [[C. Michael Armstrong]] was named CEO, and Armstrong appointed [[John Zeglis]] as president later in that same year. By 1998, the company was in the top 15 of the Fortune 500, and by 1999, when Zeglis assumed the positions of chairman and CEO of [[At&t wireless|AT&T Wireless]], AT&T was part of the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] (lasting through 2015).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dow-jones-djia.com/2007/05/26/november-1-1999-changes-to-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |title= NOVEMBER 1, 1999 Changes to Dow Jones Industrial Average |website= Dow Jones Industrial Stocks |access-date= April 22, 2021 |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035752/http://www.dow-jones-djia.com/2007/05/26/november-1-1999-changes-to-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Gaffen |first= David |date= March 6, 2015 |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-dow/at-long-last-dow-gets-a-taste-for-apple-idUKKBN0M21H020150306 |title= At long last, Dow gets a taste for Apple |work= [[Reuters]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= Apple Inc AAPL.O, the largest U.S. company by market value, will join the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI, replacing AT&T Inc T.N, in a change that reflects the dominant position of the iPhone maker in the U.S. consumer economy. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035749/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-dow/at-long-last-dow-gets-a-taste-for-apple-idUKKBN0M21H020150306 |url-status= live }}</ref> Zeglis ended his service as president of AT&T in 2001 and resigned from his positions in AT&T Wireless in 2004. | ||
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{{Further|History of AT&T#Rise of SBC|History of AT&T#Post-consolidation wireless acquisitions}} | {{Further|History of AT&T#Rise of SBC|History of AT&T#Post-consolidation wireless acquisitions}} | ||
On November 18, 2005, SBC Communications purchased its former parent, AT&T Corporation for $16 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last = Van |first = Jon |date = November 19, 2005 |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-19-0511190029-story.html |title = SBC wraps up acquisition of AT&T |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date = April 22, 2021 |quote = SBC Communications Inc. completed its acquisition of AT&T Corp. on Friday after California regulators approved the $16 billion deal. |archive-date = May 20, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210520175139/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |url-status = live }}</ref> After this purchase, SBC adopted the better-known AT&T name and brand, with the original AT&T Corporation still existing as the long-distance landline subsidiary of the merged company.<ref>{{cite news |last = Belson |first = Ken |title = SBC Agrees to Acquire AT&T for $16 Billion |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/31/business/sbc-agrees-to-acquire-att-for-16-billion.html |access-date = 25 April 2021 |newspaper = | On November 18, 2005, SBC Communications purchased its former parent, AT&T Corporation for $16 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last = Van |first = Jon |date = November 19, 2005 |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-19-0511190029-story.html |title = SBC wraps up acquisition of AT&T |newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date = April 22, 2021 |quote = SBC Communications Inc. completed its acquisition of AT&T Corp. on Friday after California regulators approved the $16 billion deal. |archive-date = May 20, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210520175139/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |url-status = live }}</ref> After this purchase, SBC adopted the better-known AT&T name and brand, with the original AT&T Corporation still existing as the long-distance landline subsidiary of the merged company.<ref>{{cite news |last = Belson |first = Ken |title = SBC Agrees to Acquire AT&T for $16 Billion |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/31/business/sbc-agrees-to-acquire-att-for-16-billion.html |access-date = 25 April 2021 |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 31 January 2005 |quote = SBC Communications last night was close to concluding a $16 billion deal for its former parent, AT&T, that would lead to the virtual disappearance of one of America's best known corporate icons and set off what promises to be a new round of competition between the Baby Bells, executives close to the negotiations said. |archive-date = May 12, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200512170342/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/31/business/sbc-agrees-to-acquire-att-for-16-billion.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The current AT&T Inc. claims the original AT&T Corporation's history (dating to 1877) as its own,<ref>{{cite book |last= Danielian |first = N. R. |year = 1939 |title = AT&T The Story of Industrial Conquest |location= New York |publisher= The Vanguard Press |page= 9 |isbn= 0405060386 |quote= The Bell Telephone Company, a Massachusetts voluntary association, was formed on July 9, 1877, with Gardiner G. Hubbard as trustee.}}</ref> but retains SBC's pre-2005 corporate structure and stock price history. As well, all SEC filings before 2005 are under SBC, not AT&T. | ||
AT&T made [[History of AT&T#2011: Attempted acquisition of T-Mobile USA|an attempt in 2011]] to purchase [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]] for a $39 billion stock and cash offer.<ref name="abc">{{cite news |date=March 20, 2011 |title = AT&T to Buy T-Mobile USA for $39 billion |newspaper = | AT&T made [[History of AT&T#2011: Attempted acquisition of T-Mobile USA|an attempt in 2011]] to purchase [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]] for a $39 billion stock and cash offer.<ref name="abc">{{cite news |date=March 20, 2011 |title = AT&T to Buy T-Mobile USA for $39 billion |newspaper = The New York Times |url = https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/att-to-buy-t-mobile-usa-for-39-billion/?hp |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110322105956/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/att-to-buy-t-mobile-usa-for-39-billion/?hp |archive-date=March 22, 2011 }}</ref> The bid was withdrawn after the takeover company was faced with significant regulatory and legal hurdles, along with heavy resistance from the U.S. government. As per the original acquisition agreement, T-Mobile received $3 billion in cash as well as access to $1 billion worth of AT&T-held wireless spectrum.<ref>{{cite web |author = AT&T |date = December 19, 2011 |title = AT&T Ends Bid To Add Network Capacity Through T-Mobile USA Purchase |url = http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=22146&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=33560&mapcode=corporate%7Cwireless-networks-general |access-date = December 19, 2011 |website = AT&T |archive-date = July 21, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150721114105/http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=22146&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=33560&mapcode=corporate%7Cwireless-networks-general |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |date=December 19, 2011 |title=AT&T admits defeat on T-Mobile takeover, will pay $4 billion breakup fee |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/12/att-admits-defeat-on-t-mobile-takeover-will-pay-4-billion-breakup-fee/ |access-date=October 8, 2020 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008213842/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/12/att-admits-defeat-on-t-mobile-takeover-will-pay-4-billion-breakup-fee/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
In September 2013, AT&T announced it would expand into [[Latin America]] through a collaboration with [[América Móvil]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Carew |first = Sinead |date=September 18, 2013 |title = AT&T to expand in Latin America with America Movil deal |work=[[Reuters]] |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-att-americamovil-idUSBRE98H02Z20130918 |url-status=live |access-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924184845/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-att-americamovil-idUSBRE98H02Z20130918 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> In December 2013, AT&T announced plans to sell its Connecticut wireline operations to Stamford-based [[Frontier Communications]].<ref>{{cite web |author=AT&T |date=December 17, 2013 |title=AT&T Announces Plans to Sell Connecticut Wireline Operations to Frontier Communications for $2.0 Billion |website=AT&T |url = http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=25160&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=37344 |url-status=live |access-date=December 18, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224345/http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=25160&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=37344 |archive-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref> | In September 2013, AT&T announced it would expand into [[Latin America]] through a collaboration with [[América Móvil]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Carew |first = Sinead |date=September 18, 2013 |title = AT&T to expand in Latin America with America Movil deal |work=[[Reuters]] |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-att-americamovil-idUSBRE98H02Z20130918 |url-status=live |access-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924184845/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-att-americamovil-idUSBRE98H02Z20130918 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> In December 2013, AT&T announced plans to sell its Connecticut wireline operations to Stamford-based [[Frontier Communications]].<ref>{{cite web |author=AT&T |date=December 17, 2013 |title=AT&T Announces Plans to Sell Connecticut Wireline Operations to Frontier Communications for $2.0 Billion |website=AT&T |url = http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=25160&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=37344 |url-status=live |access-date=December 18, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224345/http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=25160&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=37344 |archive-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref> | ||
AT&T acquired [[BellSouth|BellSouth Corporation]] on December 29, 2006, following [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] approval.<ref>{{cite news |last= Bajaj |first= Vikas |date= December 30, 2006 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/30/business/30tele.html |title= BellSouth and AT&T Close Deal |newspaper= | AT&T acquired [[BellSouth|BellSouth Corporation]] on December 29, 2006, following [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] approval.<ref>{{cite news |last= Bajaj |first= Vikas |date= December 30, 2006 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/30/business/30tele.html |title= BellSouth and AT&T Close Deal |newspaper= The New York Times |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= Federal regulators approved AT&T's $85.8 billion acquisition of BellSouth yesterday, allowing the companies to close their delayed deal. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035751/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/30/business/30tele.html |url-status= live }}</ref> The transaction consolidated ownership and management of Cingular Wireless.<ref>{{cite news |last= Vorman |first= Julie |date= January 21, 2007 |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/businesspro-bellsouth-fcc-dc/att-closes-86-billion-bellsouth-deal-idUSWBT00636120061230 |title= AT&T closes $86 billion BellSouth deal |work= [[Reuters]] |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= Now four of the seven companies that were spun off from the original AT&T in 1984 are back under one roof, and it includes 66.1 million telephone lines, 58.7 million Cingular Wireless customers and 11.6 million high-speed Internet customers. |archive-date= April 25, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210425014719/https://www.reuters.com/article/businesspro-bellsouth-fcc-dc/att-closes-86-billion-bellsouth-deal-idUSWBT00636120061230 |url-status= live }}</ref> AT&T rebranded its wireless retail stores from Cingular to AT&T in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last= Searcey |first= Dionne |date= January 12, 2007 |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116855760238674492 |title= Bye, Cingular, in AT&T Rebranding |newspaper= The Wall Street Journal |access-date= April 22, 2021 |quote= But in the long term, Mr. Lerman said, AT&T will benefit from the efficiency of having its well-known name appear on all its services. AT&T executives wouldn't say how much the rebranding will cost as they change signs in roughly 2,000 stores as well as employee uniforms and billing letterhead. But executives estimate 20% of the expected operating-expense savings from the merger will come from advertising, because of the single AT&T brand. |archive-date= April 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210423035751/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116855760238674492 |url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
=== Recent developments (2013–present) === | === Recent developments (2013–present) === | ||
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On December 21, 2021, AT&T announced that they had agreed to sell Xandr (and [[AppNexus]]) to [[Microsoft]] for an undisclosed price.<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft to buy Xandr ad marketplace from AT&T|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-buy-xandr-ad-marketplace-from-at-t/|work=[[ZDNet]]|first=Mary Jo|last=Foley|date=December 21, 2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221151043/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-buy-xandr-ad-marketplace-from-at-t/|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was completed in June 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://searchengineland.com/microsoft-atts-xandr-acquisition-complete-385631|title= Microsoft, AT&T's Xandr acquisition complete|website= SearchEngine Land|first= Nicole|last= Farley|date= June 6, 2022|access-date= June 10, 2022|archive-date= June 9, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220609212235/https://searchengineland.com/microsoft-atts-xandr-acquisition-complete-385631|url-status= live}}</ref> | On December 21, 2021, AT&T announced that they had agreed to sell Xandr (and [[AppNexus]]) to [[Microsoft]] for an undisclosed price.<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft to buy Xandr ad marketplace from AT&T|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-buy-xandr-ad-marketplace-from-at-t/|work=[[ZDNet]]|first=Mary Jo|last=Foley|date=December 21, 2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221151043/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-buy-xandr-ad-marketplace-from-at-t/|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was completed in June 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://searchengineland.com/microsoft-atts-xandr-acquisition-complete-385631|title= Microsoft, AT&T's Xandr acquisition complete|website= SearchEngine Land|first= Nicole|last= Farley|date= June 6, 2022|access-date= June 10, 2022|archive-date= June 9, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220609212235/https://searchengineland.com/microsoft-atts-xandr-acquisition-complete-385631|url-status= live}}</ref> | ||
On April 8, 2022, the spinoff of WarnerMedia and its subsequent merger with Discovery, Inc. to form [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] was completed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Koblin|first=John|date=April 8, 2022|title=Hollywood Gets a New Giant|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/business/media/discovery-warner-media.html|work= | On April 8, 2022, the spinoff of WarnerMedia and its subsequent merger with Discovery, Inc. to form [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] was completed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Koblin|first=John|date=April 8, 2022|title=Hollywood Gets a New Giant|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/business/media/discovery-warner-media.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 8, 2022|archive-date=October 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013195439/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/business/media/discovery-warner-media.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of this merger, HBO Max and other video services were dropped from AT&T's unlimited plan offering.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=2022-06-10 |title=New AT&T subscribers will no longer get HBO Max (or any other video service) |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/10/23162832/att-drops-hbo-max-carrier-perk-unlimited-plan |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=[[The Verge]] |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613194719/https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/10/23162832/att-drops-hbo-max-carrier-perk-unlimited-plan |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
AT&T was one of several clients of [[Snowflake Inc.]] that had data stolen in a 2024 breach.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gorrivan |first1=Charles |last2=Ford |first2=Brody |title=Toll of Snowflake Hack Widens With Theft of AT&T Text, Calling Data |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-12/at-t-hack-part-of-snowflake-customer-cyberattack-campaign |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=12 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Phone and text logs from May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 of "nearly all" AT&T customers were exposed as part of the breach.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanders |first1=Hank |title=Are You an AT&T Customer? Here's What to Know About the Data Breach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/12/us/phone-data-breach.html |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=12 July 2024}}</ref> AT&T was also reported to have been affected by a 2024 [[2024 U.S. internet service provider hack|attack]] from the [[Salt Typhoon]] [[advanced persistent threat]] linked to the [[Government of China|Chinese government]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krouse |first=Sarah |last2=Volz |first2=Dustin |last3=Viswanatha |first3=Aruna |last4=McMillan |first4=Robert |date=October 5, 2024 |title=U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/u-s-wiretap-systems-targeted-in-china-linked-hack-327fc63b |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> | AT&T was one of several clients of [[Snowflake Inc.]] that had data stolen in a 2024 breach.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gorrivan |first1=Charles |last2=Ford |first2=Brody |title=Toll of Snowflake Hack Widens With Theft of AT&T Text, Calling Data |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-12/at-t-hack-part-of-snowflake-customer-cyberattack-campaign |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=12 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Phone and text logs from May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 of "nearly all" AT&T customers were exposed as part of the breach.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanders |first1=Hank |title=Are You an AT&T Customer? Here's What to Know About the Data Breach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/12/us/phone-data-breach.html |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=12 July 2024}}</ref> AT&T was also reported to have been affected by a 2024 [[2024 U.S. internet service provider hack|attack]] from the [[Salt Typhoon]] [[advanced persistent threat]] linked to the [[Government of China|Chinese government]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krouse |first=Sarah |last2=Volz |first2=Dustin |last3=Viswanatha |first3=Aruna |last4=McMillan |first4=Robert |date=October 5, 2024 |title=U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/u-s-wiretap-systems-targeted-in-china-linked-hack-327fc63b |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> | ||
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== Political involvement == | == Political involvement == | ||
{{Update section|date=June 2018}} | {{Update section|date=June 2018}} | ||
According to [[OpenSecrets]], AT&T was the fourteenth-largest donor to United States federal political campaigns and committees from 1989 to 2019,<ref name="osorghh2011">{{Cite web |year=2020 |title=Top Organization Contributors |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.php?cycle=ALL |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=[[OpenSecrets]] |location=United States |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230184031/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.php?cycle=ALL |url-status=live }}</ref> having contributed more than {{US$|84.1 million}}, 42% of which went to [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and 58% of which went to [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]]. In 2005, AT&T was among 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to the second inauguration of President [[George W. Bush]].<ref name="drinkard2005">{{Cite news |last=Drinkard |first=Jim |date=January 17, 2005 |title=Donors get good seats, great access this week |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inauguration-donors_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235354/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inauguration-donors_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="usatoday25may2008">{{Cite news |date=January 16, 2005 |title=Financing the inauguration |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inaugural-donors_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235320/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inaugural-donors_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="AP25may2005">{{Cite news |date=January 14, 2005 |title=Some question inaugural's multi-million price tag |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-14-price_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235330/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-14-price_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> Bill Leahy, representing AT&T, sits on the Private Enterprise Board of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] (ALEC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Private Enterprise Board |website=American Legislative Exchange Council |url=http://www.alec.org/about-alec/private-enterprise-board/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511000739/http://www.alec.org/about-alec/private-enterprise-board/ |archive-date=May 11, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> ALEC is a [[nonprofit organization]] of [[conservatism in the United States|conservative]] [[state legislature (United States)|state legislators]] and [[private sector]] representatives that drafts and shares model state-level legislation for distribution among state governments in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last=May|first=Clifford |date=August 30, 1987 |title=Transportation Chief Attacks Congress on Safety |work= | According to [[OpenSecrets]], AT&T was the fourteenth-largest donor to United States federal political campaigns and committees from 1989 to 2019,<ref name="osorghh2011">{{Cite web |year=2020 |title=Top Organization Contributors |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.php?cycle=ALL |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=[[OpenSecrets]] |location=United States |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230184031/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.php?cycle=ALL |url-status=live }}</ref> having contributed more than {{US$|84.1 million}}, 42% of which went to [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and 58% of which went to [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]]. In 2005, AT&T was among 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to the second inauguration of President [[George W. Bush]].<ref name="drinkard2005">{{Cite news |last=Drinkard |first=Jim |date=January 17, 2005 |title=Donors get good seats, great access this week |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inauguration-donors_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235354/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inauguration-donors_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="usatoday25may2008">{{Cite news |date=January 16, 2005 |title=Financing the inauguration |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inaugural-donors_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235320/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-16-inaugural-donors_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="AP25may2005">{{Cite news |date=January 14, 2005 |title=Some question inaugural's multi-million price tag |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-14-price_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628235330/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-14-price_x.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> Bill Leahy, representing AT&T, sits on the Private Enterprise Board of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] (ALEC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Private Enterprise Board |website=American Legislative Exchange Council |url=http://www.alec.org/about-alec/private-enterprise-board/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511000739/http://www.alec.org/about-alec/private-enterprise-board/ |archive-date=May 11, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> ALEC is a [[nonprofit organization]] of [[conservatism in the United States|conservative]] [[state legislature (United States)|state legislators]] and [[private sector]] representatives that drafts and shares model state-level legislation for distribution among state governments in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last=May|first=Clifford |date=August 30, 1987 |title=Transportation Chief Attacks Congress on Safety |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/30/us/transportation-chief-attacks-congress-on-safety.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813143739/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/30/us/transportation-chief-attacks-congress-on-safety.html |archive-date=August 13, 2017}}</ref><ref name="fcir">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Howard |date=March 23, 2013 |title=NRA's Behind-the-Scenes Campaign Encouraged 'Stand Your Ground' Adoption |work=[[Florida Center for Investigative Reporting]] |url=http://fcir.org/2012/03/23/nras-behind-the-scenes-campaign-encouraged-stand-your-ground-adoption-across-the-country/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404154558/http://fcir.org/2012/03/23/nras-behind-the-scenes-campaign-encouraged-stand-your-ground-adoption-across-the-country/ |archive-date=April 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Griffin |first=Marshall |date=January 14, 2014 |title='Right-to-work' bill praised and blasted in House committee hearing |work=[[KBIA]] |url=http://kbia.org/post/right-work-bill-praised-and-blasted-house-committee-hearing |url-status=live |access-date=November 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311233732/http://kbia.org/post/right-work-bill-praised-and-blasted-house-committee-hearing |archive-date=March 11, 2016}}</ref> | ||
During the period of 1998 to 2019, the company expended {{US$|380.1 million}} on [[lobbying]] in the United States.<ref name="osorgatt2019">{{Cite web |year=2020 |title=AT&T Inc: Summary |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000076&cycle=A |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=[[OpenSecrets]] |location=United States |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110135351/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?cycle=A&id=D000000076 |url-status=live }}</ref> A key political issue for AT&T has been the question of which businesses win the right to profit by providing broadband internet access in the United States.<ref name="osorgatt2007">{{Cite web |title=AT&T Inc |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.asp?ID=D000000076&Name=AT%26T+Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035728/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.asp?ID=D000000076&Name=AT&T+Inc |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2007 |website=[[OpenSecrets]]}}</ref> The company has also lobbied in support of several federal bills. AT&T supported the [[Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2013 (H.R. 3675; 113th Congress)]], a bill that would make a number of changes to procedures that the [[U.S. Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) follows in its rulemaking processes.<ref name="3675cbo">{{Cite web |title=H.R. 3675 - CBO |date=January 29, 2014 |url=http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312212828/http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45057 |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |website=Congressional Budget Office}}</ref> The FCC would have to act in a more transparent way as a result of this bill, forced to accept public input about regulations.<ref name="PeteVotesTransparency">{{Cite news |last=Kasperowicz |first=Pete |date=March 11, 2014 |title=House votes for more transparency at the FCC |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/200503-house-votes-for-more-transparency-at-the-fcc/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312074500/http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/200503-house-votes-for-more-transparency-at-the-fcc |archive-date=March 12, 2014}}</ref> AT&T's Executive Vice President of Federal Relations, Tim McKone, said that the bill's "much needed institutional reforms will help arm the agency with the tools to keep pace with the Internet speed of today's marketplace. It will also ensure that outmoded regulatory practices for today's competitive marketplace are properly placed in the dustbin of history."<ref name="ATTblog">{{Cite web |last=McKone |first=Tim |date=December 11, 2013 |title=AT&T Statement on Bipartisan Spectrum and FCC Reform Legislation |url=http://www.attpublicpolicy.com/fcc/att-statement-on-bipartisan-spectrum-and-fcc-reform-legislation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312225128/http://www.attpublicpolicy.com/fcc/att-statement-on-bipartisan-spectrum-and-fcc-reform-legislation/ |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |website=AT&T Public Policy Blog}}</ref> | During the period of 1998 to 2019, the company expended {{US$|380.1 million}} on [[lobbying]] in the United States.<ref name="osorgatt2019">{{Cite web |year=2020 |title=AT&T Inc: Summary |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000076&cycle=A |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=[[OpenSecrets]] |location=United States |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110135351/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?cycle=A&id=D000000076 |url-status=live }}</ref> A key political issue for AT&T has been the question of which businesses win the right to profit by providing broadband internet access in the United States.<ref name="osorgatt2007">{{Cite web |title=AT&T Inc |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.asp?ID=D000000076&Name=AT%26T+Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035728/http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.asp?ID=D000000076&Name=AT&T+Inc |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2007 |website=[[OpenSecrets]]}}</ref> The company has also lobbied in support of several federal bills. AT&T supported the [[Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2013 (H.R. 3675; 113th Congress)]], a bill that would make a number of changes to procedures that the [[U.S. Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) follows in its rulemaking processes.<ref name="3675cbo">{{Cite web |title=H.R. 3675 - CBO |date=January 29, 2014 |url=http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312212828/http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45057 |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |website=Congressional Budget Office}}</ref> The FCC would have to act in a more transparent way as a result of this bill, forced to accept public input about regulations.<ref name="PeteVotesTransparency">{{Cite news |last=Kasperowicz |first=Pete |date=March 11, 2014 |title=House votes for more transparency at the FCC |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/200503-house-votes-for-more-transparency-at-the-fcc/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312074500/http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/200503-house-votes-for-more-transparency-at-the-fcc |archive-date=March 12, 2014}}</ref> AT&T's Executive Vice President of Federal Relations, Tim McKone, said that the bill's "much needed institutional reforms will help arm the agency with the tools to keep pace with the Internet speed of today's marketplace. It will also ensure that outmoded regulatory practices for today's competitive marketplace are properly placed in the dustbin of history."<ref name="ATTblog">{{Cite web |last=McKone |first=Tim |date=December 11, 2013 |title=AT&T Statement on Bipartisan Spectrum and FCC Reform Legislation |url=http://www.attpublicpolicy.com/fcc/att-statement-on-bipartisan-spectrum-and-fcc-reform-legislation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312225128/http://www.attpublicpolicy.com/fcc/att-statement-on-bipartisan-spectrum-and-fcc-reform-legislation/ |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |website=AT&T Public Policy Blog}}</ref> | ||
In May 2018, reports emerged that AT&T made 12 monthly payments between January and December 2017 to Essential Consultants, a company set up by President [[Donald Trump]]'s lawyer [[Michael Cohen (lawyer)|Michael Cohen]], totaling $600,000.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bartz |first=Diane |date=May 9, 2018 |title=AT&T payments to Trump lawyer more than reported |work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-daniels-at-t/att-payments-to-trump-lawyer-more-than-reported-source-idUSKBN1IA2KK |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509222116/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-daniels-at-t/att-payments-to-trump-lawyer-more-than-reported-source-idUSKBN1IA2KK |archive-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref> Although initial reports on May 8 mentioned only four monthly payments totaling $200,000,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Dan |last2=Breuninger |first2=Kevin |last3=Ruggiero |first3=Ryan |date=May 8, 2018 |title=AT&T confirms it paid Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for 'insights' on administration |work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/att-confirms-it-paid-trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-for-insights-on-administration.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510005726/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/att-confirms-it-paid-trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-for-insights-on-administration.html |archive-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref> documents obtained by the ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]'' on May 10 confirmed the figure of 12 payments, which had begun three days after the President was [[First inauguration of Donald Trump|sworn into office]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last1=Helderman |first1=Rosalind S. |last2=Fung |first2=Brian |last3=Hamburger |first3=Tom |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Cohen's $600,000 deal with AT&T specified he would advise on Time Warner merger, internal company records show |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cohens-600000-deal-with-atandt-specified-he-would-advise-on-time-warner-merger-internal-company-records-show/2018/05/10/cd541ae0-5468-11e8-a551-5b648abe29ef_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511000608/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cohens-600000-deal-with-atandt-specified-he-would-advise-on-time-warner-merger-internal-company-records-show/2018/05/10/cd541ae0-5468-11e8-a551-5b648abe29ef_story.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Christine |date=May 10, 2018 |title=AT&T reportedly paid Michael Cohen for guidance on Time Warner deal |work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/att-reportedly-paid-michael-cohen-for-guidance-on-time-warner-deal.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511012806/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/att-reportedly-paid-michael-cohen-for-guidance-on-time-warner-deal.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> AT&T confirmed the report the same day.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Gold |first=Hadas |date=May 10, 2018 |title=AT&T confirms it paid Michael Cohen for consulting on Time Warner deal |work=CNNMoney |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/10/media/att-michael-cohen/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511063705/https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/10/media/att-michael-cohen/index.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> The report from ''The Washington Post'', as well as additional reporting from [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]], revealed the payments had been made for Cohen to "provide guidance" relating to the attempted $85 billion merger with [[Time Warner]],<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> to gain information on the Trump administration's planned tax reforms, as well as about potential changes to [[Net neutrality in the United States|net neutrality]] policies under the new FCC.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Nick |last2=Moritz |first2=Scott |date=May 9, 2018 |title=AT&T Was Paying Trump's Lawyer While White House Turned Into Foe |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-09/at-t-was-paying-trump-s-lawyer-as-administration-turned-into-foe |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181322/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-09/at-t-was-paying-trump-s-lawyer-as-administration-turned-into-foe |archive-date=May 22, 2018}}</ref> Chairman of the FCC [[Ajit Pai]] denied Cohen ever inquired about net neutrality on AT&T's behalf.<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shields |first=Todd |date=May 10, 2018 |title='No' Cohen Inquiries on Net Neutrality on AT&T's Behalf, FCC Chairman Says |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-10/-no-cohen-inquiries-to-fcc-on-net-neutrality-on-at-t-s-behalf |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181328/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-10/-no-cohen-inquiries-to-fcc-on-net-neutrality-on-at-t-s-behalf |archive-date=May 22, 2018}}</ref> A spokesperson for AT&T said that the company had been contacted by [[Special Counsel investigation (2017–present)|the Special Counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller]] regarding the payments, and had provided all the information requested in November and December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Katie |last2=Kang |first2=Cecilia |date=May 9, 2018 |title=Novartis and AT&T Spoke to Mueller's Office About Payments to Michael Cohen |language=en-US |work= | In May 2018, reports emerged that AT&T made 12 monthly payments between January and December 2017 to Essential Consultants, a company set up by President [[Donald Trump]]'s lawyer [[Michael Cohen (lawyer)|Michael Cohen]], totaling $600,000.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bartz |first=Diane |date=May 9, 2018 |title=AT&T payments to Trump lawyer more than reported |work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-daniels-at-t/att-payments-to-trump-lawyer-more-than-reported-source-idUSKBN1IA2KK |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509222116/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-daniels-at-t/att-payments-to-trump-lawyer-more-than-reported-source-idUSKBN1IA2KK |archive-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref> Although initial reports on May 8 mentioned only four monthly payments totaling $200,000,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Dan |last2=Breuninger |first2=Kevin |last3=Ruggiero |first3=Ryan |date=May 8, 2018 |title=AT&T confirms it paid Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for 'insights' on administration |work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/att-confirms-it-paid-trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-for-insights-on-administration.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510005726/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/att-confirms-it-paid-trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-for-insights-on-administration.html |archive-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref> documents obtained by the ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]'' on May 10 confirmed the figure of 12 payments, which had begun three days after the President was [[First inauguration of Donald Trump|sworn into office]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last1=Helderman |first1=Rosalind S. |last2=Fung |first2=Brian |last3=Hamburger |first3=Tom |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Cohen's $600,000 deal with AT&T specified he would advise on Time Warner merger, internal company records show |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cohens-600000-deal-with-atandt-specified-he-would-advise-on-time-warner-merger-internal-company-records-show/2018/05/10/cd541ae0-5468-11e8-a551-5b648abe29ef_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511000608/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cohens-600000-deal-with-atandt-specified-he-would-advise-on-time-warner-merger-internal-company-records-show/2018/05/10/cd541ae0-5468-11e8-a551-5b648abe29ef_story.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Christine |date=May 10, 2018 |title=AT&T reportedly paid Michael Cohen for guidance on Time Warner deal |work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/att-reportedly-paid-michael-cohen-for-guidance-on-time-warner-deal.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511012806/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/att-reportedly-paid-michael-cohen-for-guidance-on-time-warner-deal.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> AT&T confirmed the report the same day.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Gold |first=Hadas |date=May 10, 2018 |title=AT&T confirms it paid Michael Cohen for consulting on Time Warner deal |work=CNNMoney |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/10/media/att-michael-cohen/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511063705/https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/10/media/att-michael-cohen/index.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> The report from ''The Washington Post'', as well as additional reporting from [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]], revealed the payments had been made for Cohen to "provide guidance" relating to the attempted $85 billion merger with [[Time Warner]],<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> to gain information on the Trump administration's planned tax reforms, as well as about potential changes to [[Net neutrality in the United States|net neutrality]] policies under the new FCC.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Nick |last2=Moritz |first2=Scott |date=May 9, 2018 |title=AT&T Was Paying Trump's Lawyer While White House Turned Into Foe |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-09/at-t-was-paying-trump-s-lawyer-as-administration-turned-into-foe |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181322/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-09/at-t-was-paying-trump-s-lawyer-as-administration-turned-into-foe |archive-date=May 22, 2018}}</ref> Chairman of the FCC [[Ajit Pai]] denied Cohen ever inquired about net neutrality on AT&T's behalf.<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shields |first=Todd |date=May 10, 2018 |title='No' Cohen Inquiries on Net Neutrality on AT&T's Behalf, FCC Chairman Says |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-10/-no-cohen-inquiries-to-fcc-on-net-neutrality-on-at-t-s-behalf |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181328/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-10/-no-cohen-inquiries-to-fcc-on-net-neutrality-on-at-t-s-behalf |archive-date=May 22, 2018}}</ref> A spokesperson for AT&T said that the company had been contacted by [[Special Counsel investigation (2017–present)|the Special Counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller]] regarding the payments, and had provided all the information requested in November and December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Katie |last2=Kang |first2=Cecilia |date=May 9, 2018 |title=Novartis and AT&T Spoke to Mueller's Office About Payments to Michael Cohen |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/business/novartis-att-cohen-mueller.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509220529/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/09/business/novartis-att-cohen-mueller.html |archive-date=May 9, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Dan |last2=Ruggiero |first2=Ryan |date=May 9, 2018 |title=AT&T says it was contacted by special counsel's office about Michael Cohen |work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/att-paid-trump-lawyer-cohen-up-to-6000000.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509231719/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/att-paid-trump-lawyer-cohen-up-to-6000000.html |archive-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref> | ||
In early 2019, the Democratic [[United States House Committee on the Judiciary|House Judiciary]] requested records related to the AT&T-Time Warner merger from the [[White House]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cristiano Lima |date=April 16, 2019 |title=White House denies House Democrats' AT&T-Time Warner records request |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/16/time-warner-merger-justice-department-1278013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416211241/https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/16/time-warner-merger-justice-department-1278013 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=April 16, 2019 |website=Politico }}</ref> | In early 2019, the Democratic [[United States House Committee on the Judiciary|House Judiciary]] requested records related to the AT&T-Time Warner merger from the [[White House]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cristiano Lima |date=April 16, 2019 |title=White House denies House Democrats' AT&T-Time Warner records request |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/16/time-warner-merger-justice-department-1278013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416211241/https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/16/time-warner-merger-justice-department-1278013 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=April 16, 2019 |website=Politico }}</ref> | ||
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In June 2010, a [[hacker group]] known as [[Goatse Security]] discovered a [[Vulnerability (computing)|vulnerability]] within AT&T that could allow anyone to uncover email addresses belonging to customers of AT&T 3G service for the [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iPad]].<ref name="computerworld1">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 10, 2010 |title='Brute force' script snatched iPad e-mail addresses |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177921/Brute_force_script_snatched_iPad_e_mail_addresses |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> These email addresses could be accessed without a protective password.<ref name="computerworld2-2">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 11, 2010 |title=iPad e-mail hackers defend attack as 'ethical' |page=2 |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_?taxonomyId=17&pageNumber=2 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302073447/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_?taxonomyId=17&pageNumber=2 |archive-date=March 2, 2012}}</ref> Using a script, Goatse Security collected thousands of email addresses from AT&T.<ref name="computerworld1" /> Goatse Security informed AT&T about the security flaw through a third party.<ref name="computerworld2-1">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 11, 2010 |title=iPad e-mail hackers defend attack as 'ethical' |page=1 |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119211317/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_ |archive-date=January 19, 2012}}</ref> Goatse Security then disclosed around 114,000 of these emails to [[Gawker Media]], which published an article about the security flaw and disclosure in ''[[Valleywag]]''.<ref name="computerworld1" /><ref name="computerworld2-1" /> Praetorian Security Group criticized the web application that Goatse Security exploited as "poorly designed".<ref name="computerworld1" /> | In June 2010, a [[hacker group]] known as [[Goatse Security]] discovered a [[Vulnerability (computing)|vulnerability]] within AT&T that could allow anyone to uncover email addresses belonging to customers of AT&T 3G service for the [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iPad]].<ref name="computerworld1">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 10, 2010 |title='Brute force' script snatched iPad e-mail addresses |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177921/Brute_force_script_snatched_iPad_e_mail_addresses |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> These email addresses could be accessed without a protective password.<ref name="computerworld2-2">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 11, 2010 |title=iPad e-mail hackers defend attack as 'ethical' |page=2 |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_?taxonomyId=17&pageNumber=2 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302073447/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_?taxonomyId=17&pageNumber=2 |archive-date=March 2, 2012}}</ref> Using a script, Goatse Security collected thousands of email addresses from AT&T.<ref name="computerworld1" /> Goatse Security informed AT&T about the security flaw through a third party.<ref name="computerworld2-1">{{Cite news |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=June 11, 2010 |title=iPad e-mail hackers defend attack as 'ethical' |page=1 |work=[[Computerworld]] |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_ |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119211317/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9177991/iPad_e_mail_hackers_defend_attack_as_ethical_ |archive-date=January 19, 2012}}</ref> Goatse Security then disclosed around 114,000 of these emails to [[Gawker Media]], which published an article about the security flaw and disclosure in ''[[Valleywag]]''.<ref name="computerworld1" /><ref name="computerworld2-1" /> Praetorian Security Group criticized the web application that Goatse Security exploited as "poorly designed".<ref name="computerworld1" /> | ||
In April 2015, AT&T was fined $25 million over data security breaches, marking the largest ever fine issued by the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) for breaking data privacy laws. The investigation revealed the theft of details of approximately 280,000 people from call centers in Mexico, [[Colombia]] and the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 2015 |title=AT&T pays record $25m fine over customer data thefts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32232604 |url-status=live |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108110433/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32232604 |archive-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2015 |title=F.C.C. Fines AT&T $25 Million for Privacy Breach |url=https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/f-c-c-fines-att-25-million-for-privacy-breach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113023431/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/f-c-c-fines-att-25-million-for-privacy-breach/ |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website= | In April 2015, AT&T was fined $25 million over data security breaches, marking the largest ever fine issued by the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) for breaking data privacy laws. The investigation revealed the theft of details of approximately 280,000 people from call centers in Mexico, [[Colombia]] and the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 2015 |title=AT&T pays record $25m fine over customer data thefts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32232604 |url-status=live |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108110433/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32232604 |archive-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2015 |title=F.C.C. Fines AT&T $25 Million for Privacy Breach |url=https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/f-c-c-fines-att-25-million-for-privacy-breach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113023431/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/f-c-c-fines-att-25-million-for-privacy-breach/ |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> | ||
In March 2024, AT&T confirmed the 2021 leak of contact information for over 7.6 million current users, as well as 65 million former ones. The leaked records may contain "full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, AT&T account number and passcode".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Wes |title=AT&T confirms data breach and resets millions of customer passcodes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/30/24116515/att-data-leak-passcode-reset-cybersecurity-privacy |website=The Verge |access-date=30 March 2024 |language=en |date=31 March 2024}}</ref> Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed as a result of this.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jewett |first=Abraham |date=2024-04-08 |title=Multiple class actions filed over AT&T data breach |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/att-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/multiple-class-actions-filed-over-att-data-breach/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Top Class Actions |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Petroski v. AT&T Inc. |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/petroski-v-att-inc.pdf |access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref> | In March 2024, AT&T confirmed the 2021 leak of contact information for over 7.6 million current users, as well as 65 million former ones. The leaked records may contain "full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, AT&T account number and passcode".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Wes |title=AT&T confirms data breach and resets millions of customer passcodes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/30/24116515/att-data-leak-passcode-reset-cybersecurity-privacy |website=The Verge |access-date=30 March 2024 |language=en |date=31 March 2024}}</ref> Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed as a result of this.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jewett |first=Abraham |date=2024-04-08 |title=Multiple class actions filed over AT&T data breach |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/att-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/multiple-class-actions-filed-over-att-data-breach/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Top Class Actions |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Petroski v. AT&T Inc. |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/petroski-v-att-inc.pdf |access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref> | ||