AT&T Wireless Reports Strong Quarterly Results

During the first quarter of this year,  AT&T's wireless division has strong year-over-year gains in nearly every area, from subscribers to revenue.

Total wireless revenues increased 18% when compared with the first quarter of last year to $11.8 billion. Wireless service revenues, which exclude handset and accessory sales, grew 17% to $10.6 billion.

The company's wireless data revenues grew 57% year-over-year to $2.3 billion. Data now represents 22% of AT&T's total wireless service revenues, up from 16 % in the first quarter of 2007 and 11% in the first quarter of 2006.

AT&T's wireless operating expenses last quarter totaled $8.9 billion, leading to an operating income $3.0 billion, up 94% from $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2007.

The number of AT&T wireless subscribers in the first quarter grew 1.3 million. That's 104,000, or about 9%, more than the increase in the Q1 2007. It ended the quarter with 71.4 million subscribers.

"AT&T is moving quickly to create the next generation of wireless," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. "The future of wireless has never been more promising, and I am very pleased that through our transaction with Aloha Partners and our successful bids in the recently completed auction, we have assembled the industry's premier, high-quality wireless spectrum position. This spectrum will provide a terrific foundation for new wireless and integrated services, and it significantly advances AT&T's long-term growth potential."

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