U.S. Cellular’s first quarter was marked by operational discipline as the company navigated an increasingly competitive wireless environment and ongoing preparations for its pending sale to T-Mobile. Despite improvements in postpaid handset performance and a 6% increase in third-party tower revenue, management acknowledged persistent pressure on service revenue and continued net handset subscriber losses. CEO LT Therivel emphasized cost optimization and cash flow preservation efforts, noting, “Our size and lack of scale makes it difficult to sustain this balance of high promotional expense and reduced investments.” Management also cited industry-wide aggressive promotions and price competition as key factors behind the quarter’s underwhelming results.
Telephone and Data Systems’ first quarter was marked by a significant shortfall relative to Wall Street’s expectations, with revenue and profitability both trending lower. Management attributed quarterly performance to the impact of prior divestitures, ongoing customer losses in wireless, and competitive pricing pressure in the telecommunications market. CEO LT Therivel cited “continued pressure on service revenues” and highlighted that, despite operational improvements, aggressive industry promotions and subscriber attrition weighed on results. CFO Vicki Villacrez acknowledged that the company is working through substantial transition activities as it prepares for the proposed sale of UScellular’s wireless operations to T-Mobile, as well as ongoing cost reduction and transformation efforts.
Lumen’s first quarter results were met with a positive market reaction, reflecting management’s focus on operational discipline and early progress in its digital and AI infrastructure initiatives. CEO Kate Johnson credited improved execution, specifically citing advancements in network modernization, streamlined product offerings, and growth in the North American enterprise segment. She highlighted that the company’s wave services secured new deals with large clients like T-Mobile and AARP, and that disconnects of legacy services reached a five-quarter low. Johnson stated, “We strengthened our balance sheet with the term loan refinancing,” and attributed the outperformance to lower churn and the company’s digital transformation.
Don't let the alarming environment discourage you from being in the market. Just change your tack to something better suited for the current situation.
Verizon, Thames Freeport, and Nokia Corp partner to deploy Private 5G Networks for economic revival in the U.K. Verizon's stock is up 4% in the last year.
Trump's new "Made in America" smartphone plan is powered by a little-known wireless provider based in his Miami condo, raising questions about scalability as its website still displays placeholder text.
T-Mobile US to launch data service on satellite-to-cell network powered by SpaceX's Starlink by October. Customers have signed up for the service, including from AT&T and Verizon. Apple and SpaceX competing for limited spectrum rights. Satellite communication market could reach $194.55 billion by 2032.
The Trump Organization plans to launch a $499 "T-1 Phone" under Trump Mobile as a U.S.-made smartphone, but experts warn large-scale domestic production is unrealistic due to lacking infrastructure and high costs.
T-Mobile stock is down over 4% after SoftBank reportedly sold $4.8 billion in shares at a discount. This major share sale by a key investor is contributing significantly to the stock's decline Tuesday.
