The ratings on Dallas-based integrated telecommunications carrier AT&T Inc. reflect its strong position in the fast-growing wireless sector, the healthy financial performance of its wireline business, and a modest financial profile. AT&T is one of the largest communications companies in the U.S. and benefits from its scale as both a local telephone and wireless provider, with a base of 58.9 million switched access lines and 72.9 million wireless subscribers. It has a substantial presence in the enterprise market through its acquisition of AT&T Corp. in late 2005. For the second quarter of 2008, total local telephone access-line losses were 8.1%. However, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services expects the effect of such losses to be mitigated by the company's introduction of
