Ten fun facts about AT&T

1. The History of AT&T

Founded in 1885, the American Telephone and Telegraphy Company (AT&T) quickly became a household name, earning the nickname 'Ma Bell'. AT&T was the first company to provide long-distance telephone service in the United States, and it was the largest provider of telephone services in the world for over a century. The company has since grown to become one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, providing services such as mobile phone service, internet access, and television services.

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2. AT&T Donates $250,000 to President George W. Bush's Inauguration

AT&T made a significant contribution to the second inauguration of President George W. Bush, donating the maximum amount of $250,000. This amount was the highest amount allowed by law, and demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting the President and his administration. AT&T's donation was part of a larger effort to support the inauguration, which included contributions from other major corporations and individuals.

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3. One of the Most Successful Companies in the World

By 1998, AT&T had firmly established itself as one of the most successful companies in the world, ranking in the top 15 of the Fortune 500. This list of the 500 largest companies in the United States, compiled by Fortune magazine, is widely regarded as a benchmark of corporate success. AT&T's impressive placement on the list was a testament to its success in the telecommunications industry, where it had become a leader in providing services such as long-distance calling, internet access, and mobile phone services.

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4. Censoring Pearl Jam sparks outrage

In 2007, AT&T was web-broadcasting a Pearl Jam concert when the band began to criticize the president. In response, AT&T censored the broadcast, sparking outrage among fans and leading to a boycott of the company. This incident highlighted AT&T's willingness to censor content, and raised questions about the company's commitment to free speech.

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5. The Political Donor You've Never Heard Of

AT&T is a major player in the U.S. political landscape, having donated more than $47.7 million to political campaigns since 1990. This makes them the second largest donor to U.S. political campaigns and the top American corporate donor. Their donations have gone to both major parties, with the majority of their contributions going to the Republican Party. AT&T's donations have been used to support a variety of causes, from environmental protection to economic development.

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6. AT&T Helps Police Combat Drug Trafficking

Since 1987, AT&T has been collecting and storing call detail records in a secure database. This data is used by the company's employees at their drug trafficking office to provide law enforcement with the information they need to investigate and prosecute drug-related crimes. The database is regularly updated with new records, ensuring that the police have access to the most up-to-date information available. AT&T's commitment to helping law enforcement combat drug trafficking is an invaluable asset in the fight against this serious crime.

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7. AT&T's 2006 Policy Change Sparked a Wave of Criticism

In 2006, AT&T made a major policy change that caused a stir among customers. The company declared that it owned customers' private information and could use it to protect their own interests. This meant that AT&T could access and use customers' personal data, such as contact information, purchase history, and browsing habits, without their consent. The policy change sparked a wave of criticism from customers who felt that their privacy was being violated. Despite the backlash, AT&T maintained its stance, arguing that the policy was necessary to protect their interests and ensure the safety of their customers.

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8. iPhone's Exclusive Preview Led to Major Milestone for AT&T

Prior to the iPhone's highly anticipated release in 2007, select AT&T executives were given the exclusive opportunity to get a sneak peek of the revolutionary device. This privileged preview allowed the executives to experience the groundbreaking features of the iPhone before anyone else, giving them a competitive edge in the market. The iPhone's release marked a major milestone in the history of AT&T, and the executives' early access to the device was a testament to the company's commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

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9. Southern Bell Keeps AT&T Name After $16 Billion Acquisition

In 2005, the Southern Bell company made a major acquisition when it purchased AT&T for a whopping $16 billion. The company decided to keep the AT&T name and brand, allowing the telecommunications giant to continue to be a recognizable and trusted name in the industry. This purchase was a major milestone for the Southern Bell company, as it allowed them to expand their reach and become a major player in the telecommunications industry.

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10. #1 Telecom Provider in US.

AT&T is the largest provider of mobile and fixed line telephone services in the United States, with over 140 million wireless subscribers and 25 million landline customers. The company has a long history of providing reliable communication services, having been founded in 1885 as the Bell Telephone Company. AT&T has since grown to become one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, offering a wide range of services including internet, television, and home security.

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