Connected Device Plans Continue to Grow for AT&T

Connected device plans for AT&T continued to expand last year, surging about 32 percent between 2017 and 2018, and posting nearly 221 percent growth over the course of this decade.

While this is partially related to the astronomical growth of connected devices broadly, AT&T has also been eyeing the digital ad space. Its strong connected device growth is one piece of that larger puzzle for the company. The success of AT&T’s connected device subscriptions is part of a larger strategy of further moving into and dominating targeted ad sales on internet connected devices. Over the past couple of years, AT&T has acquired several ad tech companies, like AppNexus, Warner Media, and Otter Media, all specializing or having strong segments in over-the-top media services. The reach and breadth covered by AT&T could prove attractive as digital ad buyers look for a brand safe environment and wide-reaching services.