AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Join Forces to Tackle Mobile Dead Zones

AT&T has entered a $3 billion partnership with Corning to expand its fiber internet services, aiming to reach 60 million Americans by 2030. This move comes as competition in the broadband market intensifies with rivals like Verizon, T-Mobile, and SpaceX's Starlink. AT&T reports increasing data usage, with the average household now using over 1 terabyte per month, and expects this to grow to 2-2.5 terabytes by 2030.

AT&T (NYSE:T) will pay a $0.2775 quarterly dividend on November 2, 2026, yielding 4.53%. Its dividend has remained flat since a 2022 cut. In 2025, dividends consumed 49% of free cash flow, down from 59% in 2021. Wireless and fiber services now drive revenue growth, while legacy services decline. AT&T's dividend is supported by stronger cash flow from connectivity services. Management expects free cash flow to grow, with dividends and buybacks totaling $18 billion in 2026.

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile formally established a joint venture for direct-to-device (D2D) services, aiming to compete with satellite providers and improve network performance. Paul Roth is interim CEO. The JV is non-exclusive, allowing partners to continue independent efforts. AT&T's CEO John Stankey emphasized maintaining competitive pricing. T-Mobile's CEO Srinivasan Gopalan expects most satellite services to be sourced through the JV.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have officially formed a satellite joint venture to expand mobile coverage in the U.S. The venture, led by interim CEO Paul Roth, aims to eliminate dead zones and provide emergency backup coverage, but details on pricing, launch date, and the company's name are not yet available. Existing satellite services will continue, and the venture plans to collaborate with rural operators.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have formed a joint venture to use satellites to eliminate mobile coverage dead zones in the US. The venture, managed by a board with representatives from each company, aims to improve network performance and provide reliable connectivity during emergencies. According to the companies, this will nearly eliminate dead zones and enhance service for traditional customers.

Corning (GLW) and AT&T (T) finalized a $3B fiber supply deal, highlighting the shift in AI spending from semiconductors to physical infrastructure. Corning's Q2 2026 revenue rose 17.1% YoY to $4.74B, with EPS at 78 cents. AT&T's Q2 revenue was $31.56B, EPS 65 cents. Both companies are investing heavily in fiber networks to support rising data demands.