AT&T profits rise as wireless, HBO Max subscribers flock in

From CNET: AT&T again saw wireless customers return to the service amid aggressive promotions -- particularly for the iPhone 13 -- as overall profits surged in the third quarter.

The company posted a net gain of 928,000 postpaid phone customers, or people with higher credit scores who pay their bills at the end of the month, which it said was the highest level in more than 10 years. AT&T was among the carriers that offered a free iPhone 13, 13 Pro or 13 Mini with an eligible trade-in.

On the media side, AT&T said its global subscriber base of HBO and HBO Max subscribers was 69.4 million, up 12.5 million over a year ago, and 1.9 million over the previous quarter. Domestically, its base grew to 45.2 million from 38 million a year ago.

The upward trajectory puts AT&T in a good position to finish the year strong, thanks in part to the continued promotions and the company's decision to release its top-tier films like Dune and The Matrix Resurrections on HBO Max at the same time as in theaters, a move that has angered both Hollywood talent and the theater industry.

View: Full Article