Earlier in the year, AT&T
Ma Bell's peer, Verizon Communications
Concerns about a price war have also hobbled service providers because they all launched unlimited use plans for around $100 per month. But Tobin noted that many Verizon customers are moving up from the $80-per-month plans, and that company officials see the offering as positive.
The bottom-line message was that Verizon investors shouldn't see any significant impact on the business at this point, but management is watching the situation carefully in all areas of its business. The long-term outlook remains bright, with management expecting double-digit revenue growth to continue for the next few years. Contrast that with Sprint Nextel
Beyond Sprint's unique situation, there are plenty of signs that growth is slowing in the wireless business. Shares of hardware makers like Nokia
So should telecom investors panic now and run for the hills? Hardly. Shifts in growth trends are no reason to sell a solid investment and may even present good opportunities to buy more shares of good companies priced on the cheap. And chances are good Verizon will be a leader regardless of what the future holds.
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