Cingular Wireless: ahead of the pack, for now

Abstract

The position of Cingular Wireless as the leading wireless carrier in the US is being challenged by Verizon as it continues to rapidly close in on subscriber growth and may overtake Cingular in the next 12 to 24 months. While Cingular's position has improved over the last few years with its acquisition of AT&T, reports show Verizon consistently outperforming the market every quarter in the critical areas of customer loyalty and underlying strength. Cingular, however, believes it can stay ahead of the competition by bringing the wireline broadband experience to the mobile market. To achieve this goal, the company has begun a comprehensive upgrading of its entire network. The company is also working on acquiring technology that could allow customers to view brief segments of live television programming.