Each new generation of smartphones expands what’s possible, but it takes a powerful, intelligent network to bring those capabilities to life. Behind every message, download, stream, and video call is the connection that makes each moment possible.
America’s Largest Wireless Network Has Come a Long Way
In 2007, smartphones began moving rapidly into the mainstream, accelerating a new era of mobile connectivity. Since then, they have evolved into essential tools for entertainment, work, navigation, healthcare, and more. And as the phones became more powerful each year, the network behind them grew too.
At that time, about 14 terabytes of data traveled across AT&T’s network on an average day. Today, over 1 exabyte of data crosses our network – enough data to post approximately 200 billion photos to social media. That’s about 84,000 times more and an increase of more than 8 million percent.
Managing that extraordinary growth takes more than additional capacity. It requires intelligence throughout the network. AT&T uses AI and advanced analytics to understand traffic patterns, anticipate demand, and help engineers make informed decisions about where and when to expand capacity. Together, these capabilities power the everyday moments that matter, supporting better ways for customers to share, explore, and stay connected with each new generation of devices.
Intelligence Already Built In
Whether our customers are at home, at work, or on the go, they should be able to rely on their connection without having to think about what’s happening behind the scenes. That kind of intelligent connectivity doesn’t begin with a single device or software release – it starts with the network.
We’ve built our converged network supported by intelligent authentication, traffic management, and near real-time performance insights. These capabilities help smartphones connect to the most effective available network and transition more smoothly between Wi-Fi and cellular as conditions change. We also use AI to anticipate demand, identify potential issues, detect anomalies, add capacity where it’s needed, and optimize how traffic moves across the network.
The tools and infrastructure we’ve developed create a strong foundation for smarter traffic management and more seamless transitions between connections. As devices gain increasingly sophisticated connection-management capabilities, they can build on that foundation, advancing our vision of a converged experience that keeps customers connected without requiring them to think about the network working behind the scenes.
Proven When the World Is Watching
Major global events put this intelligent, converged network foundation to the test, as enormous crowds drive sudden surges in calling, streaming, messaging, and social sharing. During the world’s largest soccer tournament this summer, AT&T’s network and systems delivered strong performance when fans, businesses, and public safety needed connectivity most. It was a powerful example of how we use network intelligence and tools to seamlessly balance and optimize performance across our cellular and Wi-Fi assets – helping devices live up to their fullest potential and our ability to keep people connected during some of the world’s most demanding moments.
Built For How People Use Their Phones Today
As smartphones have evolved, AT&T has grown its network alongside the ways people use them. Whether you’re sharing a goal with millions of fans, joining a video call or simply checking in with family, those experiences depend on a network that’s engineered to keep up. That’s why we’re continuously working to expand capacity, improve performance, and build the intelligent connectivity required for what comes next.
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