SBC Communications reacts to AT&T over exiting the traditional consumer phone market in favor of new services, such as voice over IP.
Today’s announcement underscores the fact AT&T left the traditional consumer business years ago when they decided against investing in their own local facilities and networks in order to compete.
It also underscores the reality of today’s competitive marketplace. Vigorous competition is flourishing and will only intensify as wireline, cable, wireless, satellite and VoIP companies slug it out. Consumers today have more choices than ever before and that will not change, especially if AT&T is serious about pursuing new technologies like voice over IP.
AT&T is correct in noting that the consumer market is about bundling voice, data, wireless and video services. Those companies which have invested in their networks and facilities to meet those customer demands will be positioned to succeed in the highly competitive consumer marketplace.
