AT&T CEO Discusses Company's Resilience Against Satellite Competition
In an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, AT&T (T) CEO John Stankey addressed concerns about competition from satellite internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink. He emphasized that while new competitors are welcome, they face significant challenges due to the deep infrastructure investments already made by traditional telecom companies over decades. Stankey highlighted that terrestrial networks provide critical indoor coverage—such as in hospitals and stadiums—that satellites cannot economically replicate. AT&T reported Q2 revenues of $31.6 billion, up 2.3% year-over-year, along with an accelerated share buyback program worth $10 billion for 2026. The CEO also explained that AT&T prefers a consortium-based approach to satellite partnerships rather than bilateral agreements and is not currently pursuing Starlink as its primary wholesale partner due to the company’s strong existing market position in U.S. urban areas.
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