In today's competitive markets for home entertainment and communications services, companies have to offer the latest and greatest services -- rabbit ears and the local news just won't cut it anymore. Having conquered all your telephony needs, AT&T
For the 99.97% of the population that doesn't yet subscribe to U-verse, here are the basics: U-verse offers both television and Internet services, delivered to homes over a new fiber-optic network. The TV packages include a variety of paid and free programming, while the Internet service comes in different speed grades for fast browsing and downloads. AT&T is also upgrading the television offering with customized Web content like sports and weather, as well as new high-definition versions of channels such as Animal Planet and the Golf Channel.
AT&T is not alone in blazing the next-generation TV trail, though. Arguably, it isn't even the first. Verizon Communications
While we could argue plenty about the technical differences in the networks, and debate which offering is superior, it's more important for investors to know that these initiatives are vital to both companies' future profitability. The billions each is pouring into the new networks are already paying off, keeping subscribers from wandering into the open arms of competition.
Cable companies such as Comcast
For further Foolish insight:
- Foolish Forecast: Verizon Jumps to Light Speed
- Why You'll Have a Worry-Free Retirement
- iOpening Results for AT&T
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An engineer at heart, Fool contributor Dave Mock developed many elaborate tinfoil and rabbit-ear structures -- but they never worked. He owns no shares of companies mentioned here. Dave is the author of The Qualcomm Equation. eBay is a Stock Advisor selection. The Fool's disclosure policy entertains and enlightens at the same time.