AT&T

AT&T is a data, voice, Internet service provider, and broadband/subscription television service provider. AT&T is the seventh largest company in the United States by total revenue. The current corporate structure of AT&T was formed in 2005 by a merger of SBC and AT&T. Based in Texas, SBC gained a presence in Illinois when it acquired Ameritech, a Chicago-based telecommunications provider. In 2005, SBC acquired AT&T, a diversified telecommunications company with long distance, cellular and cable interests. SBC had been feuding for years with AT&T over the terms by which local phone companies had to provide access to competitors and whether it would be allowed to offer long distance service. After the merger, SBC retained the AT&T name. The combined company now has interests in local and long distance phone service; through its subsidiary Cingular Wireless it also has cellular interests. AT&T sold its cable television interest to Comcast prior to the merger with SBC. In 2010, AT&T acquired T-Mobile. Many are worried that this merger will raise prises and reduce competition.

AT&T is a career patron of Governor Rod Blagojevich (D), Comptroller Daniel Hynes, Democratic Party Chair and Speak of the House Michael Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones, Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, and House Republican Leader Tom Cross.

From 1993-2006, AT&T, SBC, and Ameritech gave $5,129,000 to candidates for state office in Illinois, 52% of which went to Republicans.

Last Revised June 2011.