AT&T CEO Discusses Resilience Against Satellite Competition
In a recent interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, AT&T (T) CEO John Stankey addressed concerns about competition from satellite-based internet providers like SpaceX's Starlink. He emphasized that while new competitors are entering the market, they face significant challenges due to decades of infrastructure investment in terrestrial networks by traditional carriers such as AT&T. Stankey highlighted how indoor coverage—critical for hospitals, stadiums, and high-rise buildings—is a key area where satellite internet cannot match the efficiency or economics of ground-based systems. He also noted that most customer traffic is already handled via terrestrial networks, with satellites addressing only a small fraction when users go off-grid. AT&T plans to expand its reach through partnerships rather than relying on Starlink. The CEO’s comments came alongside strong Q2 financial results for the company: $31.6 billion in revenue and an accelerated share buyback program of $10 billion for 2026.
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Topics: AT&T strategy satellite internet Starlink competition telecom