AT&T Unveils Voice Over LTE in Select Markets - Analyst Blog

Leading telecom carrier, AT&T Inc. T announced the launch of its High Definition HD Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) service in some of its existing markets.

According to a press release,the company is initially launching this service in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin, with further expansion expected in the near future. We deem the new service to benefit AT&T through increased market traction and give it a competitive niche given the top-of-the-line technology network support that it provides to its customers. 

The HD VoLTE service will facilitate clear voice conversation for customers besides providing faster data service through LTE networks. Initially, the company will enable this feature on Samsung Galaxy S4 mini and and will eventually offer it on the new line-up of phones.

AT&T is looking at opportunities to improve its growth profile through a number of strategic initiatives. The company remains focused on its project VIP initiative, which targets expansion of its business. These include expanding 4G LTE, enhancing spectrum and network capabilities. We believe the expansion of LTE service to VoLTE networks remains an integral part of this vision.

Moreover, to support network developments, AT&T acquired 39 lower 700 MHz B Block spectrum licenses from Verizon Communications Inc. VZ for $1.9 billion in 2013. In Dec 2013, AT&T also completed its lease transaction for 9,000 towers and divestiture deal of approximately 600 towers with Crown Castle International Corp. CCI for $4.83 billion.

In Jan 2014, the company also announced its plans to acquire 49 AWS spectrum licenses from Aloha Partners II, L.P. The licenses cover nearly 50 million people in 14 states. The transaction is expected to be completed by the second half of the year. Moving beyond LTE, in the recent times, the company has also tied up with Amdocs Limited DOX and Juniper Networks, Inc. JNPR to support its User-Defined Network Cloud.

We believe that these developments will provide AT&T with a high-potential growth platform for revenues and earnings in the days to come.

AT&T currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).