The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Verizon Communications, AT&T, T-Mobile US, DISH Network and Sprint
CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ-Free Report), AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report), T-Mobile US Inc. (NYSE:TMUS-Free Report), DISH Network Corp. (Nasdaq:DISH-Free Report) andSprint Corp. (NYSE:S-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:
Telecom Stock Roundup
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently revealed that ongoing Advanced Wireless Services-3 (AWS-3) spectrum auction has accumulated a record-breaking $24.2 billion after 17 rounds of bidding. The FCC was initially expecting to collect a minimum of $10 billion from this round of airwaves auction.
Altogether 1,614 AWS-3 licenses in the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands are up for auction. These spectrum bands are highly useful in the deployment of 4G LTE services.
Major bidders participating in the auction are Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ-Free Report), AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report), T-Mobile US Inc. (NYSE:TMUS-Free Report) and DISH Network Corp. (Nasdaq:DISH-Free Report). However, Sprint Corp. (NYSE:S-Free Report) is a notable exception as the company has decided to take part in the forthcoming broadcast incentive auction in 2016 instead.
Meanwhile, distressing time for the U.S. pay-TV industry continues as research firm Leichtman Research Group recently reported that the industry lost record high 150,000 subscribers in the third quarter of 2014. The primary reason behind this dismal performance is the availability of low-priced online video-streaming services offered by low-cost online streaming service providers. Video offering, the core business area of cable TV operators, is slipping out of their hands.
Recap of the Week's Most Important Stories
1. The ongoing wireless spectrum auction conducted by the FCC has received as many as 70 applications. The Advanced Wireless Services-3 (AWS-3) spectrum auction was initiated on Nov 13, 2014. Altogether, 1,614 AWS-3 licenses will be up for sale in the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands.
The FCC expects to collect a minimum of $10 billion from this round of airwaves auction. The afore-mentioned spectrum bands are highly useful in the deployment of 4G LTE services. (Read More: U.S. AWS-3 Spectrum Auction Witnesses Stepped-up Bidding.)
2. Research firm Leichtman Research Group recently reported that 13 major U.S. pay-TV operators lost a total of about 150,000 subscribers in the third quarter of 2014 compared with 25,000 in the year-ago quarter.
Verizon and AT&T net gained 216,000 and 114,000 video subscribers, respectively. However, the gain of 330,000 customers actually reflects an 18% drop from the prior-year quarter's customer gain. (Read More: Distressing Time for U.S. Pay-TV as Customer Churn Soars.)
3. U.S. telecom behemoth AT&T is leaving no stone unturned to attract more customers in a bid to increase revenues. In a limited period offer, the carrier is providing its Mobile Share Value customers a 15 GB shareable data plan for $100. Previously, AT&T customers could avail only 10 GB of data for the same amount.
The company has reduced the price of its data plan for the second time in two months. Both new and existing AT&T customers can avail the scheme. (Read More: AT&T Betters Data Plan for Users, Adds 5 GB at No Extra Cost.)
4. Select leading pay-TV operators, content providers and equipment vendors from around the world have combined forces to form the Streaming Video Alliance (SVA) – a new industry forum. The move reflects the common vision shared by the participants with regard to the future of online video services. The group seeks to formulate industry-wide standards for high-scale Internet video services and improve productive efficiency for all providers involved in the process. (Read More: Industry Leaders Unite to Form Streaming Video Alliance.)
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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