AT&T Reports Record Internet Growth and Raises 2026 Outlook

AT&T reported record internet net additions of 769,000 for the third quarter, comprising 442,000 fiber and 327,000 fixed wireless customers. The company's revenue increased 5.3 percent year-over-year to $32.3 billion, with adjusted earnings per share reaching $0.65, surpassing analyst expectations. The company also added 379,000 postpaid phone customers during the period.

Despite the growth, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations fell to $0.13. This decline resulted from employee separation charges and a $2.6 billion non-cash impairment charge related to the company's wireless operations in Mexico. In response to the quarterly performance, the company raised its 2026 adjusted earnings per share outlook to the $2.40 range and reduced its long-term capital investment projections.

CEO John Stankey addressed potential competition from Space Exploration Technologies Corp., dismissing concerns that Starlink Mobile could displace ground-based networks. He characterized direct-to-cell satellite services as a niche solution intended for the final 2 percent of users located in remote areas.