Member Profile: AT&T
Company Name: AT&T
Location(s): Statewide
Industry: Telecommunications
What We Do:
AT&T Inc. is a diversified, global leader in telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology. It executes in the market under four operating units. WarnerMedia’s HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. divisions are world leaders in creating premium content, operate one of the world’s largest TV and film studios, and own a world-class library of entertainment.
AT&T Communications provides more than 100 million U.S. consumers with entertainment and communications experiences across TV, mobile and broadband services. Plus, it serves nearly 3 million business customers with high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions. AT&T Latin America provides pay-TV services across 11 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, and is the fastest growing wireless provider in Mexico, serving consumers and businesses. Xandr provides marketers with innovative and relevant advertising solutions for consumers around premium video content and digital advertising through its AppNexus platform.
What’s a Trend You’re Seeing/Prediction for the Future:
Among the trends we’re seeing, and something AT&T is working on internally, is the development of “quantum networks,” which link quantum computers together. Quantum networks could eventually scale to solve real-world problems and serve society in ways we cannot yet fathom.
AT&T is also engaged in network convergence – the process of merging existing network systems into a singular, multimodal communication platform that broadens use for users. This is a process that could affect telecommunications, the media and the internet in the future.
Another trend: While Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have been in development for decades, we’re now seeing advancements in graphics, computing, sensors and networking that have finally placed this emerging industry on the cusp of mass-market adoption.
And finally, in an era of connected technologies, our cities have the potential to be built to respond to our needs and improve citizens’ quality of life and smooth the path as we lead our lives. The smoother path created from Smarter Cities technology will help all citizens, especially those across a range of ages and physical or cognitive abilities.
A Problem/Challenge We Are Working To Solve:
With all 50 U.S. states, five territories, and the District of Columbia opted into the FirstNet communications platform, AT&T is given a unique opportunity to bridge public safety capabilities with the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s an exciting time to explore how technology and connectivity will transform public safety in 2020 and beyond. We see the intersection of IoT and FirstNet helping support public safety through various means, including Connected Vehicles, Connected Infrastructure, Connected Drones and Connected Gear.
As the only nationwide wireless broadband communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders, the impacts of FirstNet on the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, have been real, tangible and, lifesaving. We have seen public safety, healthcare institutions and health departments take advantage of FirstNet during an unprecedented public health emergency. Reliable connectivity and advanced capabilities for first responders helps them keep themselves and those they serve safer.
Why is Ohio is a great place to do business?
Thanks to leadership at both the local and state levels, AT&T has been able to invest more than $1.5 billion in the Buckeye State during the last three years. We are fortunate to have elected officials here who value forward-thinking telecommunications policy. In addition, Ohio ranks as the 7th largest economy in the United States and 21st in the world. It is home to a variety of businesses and headquarters, ranging in size from startup to conglomerate. Columbus ranks among the fastest growing American cities. Opportunity abounds in Ohio’s largest communities – Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati – as well as in its suburbs and rural areas. Ohioans and our businesses proudly support each other, with a sense of Midwestern-friendliness.