- AT&T (NYSE:T) discloses in an FCC filing it plans to phase out its new Aio prepaid wireless brand in favor of Leap Wireless' well-known Cricket brand, following the closing of the Leap acquisition.
- AT&T launched Aio earlier this year in an effort to halt share losses in the prepaid segment, which is accounting for a growing share of U.S. smartphone sales. Ma Bell also offers prepaid services through its GoPhone plans, which have more of a low-end focus relative to Aio.
- The Leap deal is widely expected to be cleared by regulators, though some think more spectrum concessions might be needed.
- Q3 results arrive on Wednesday. Archrival Verizon reported strong Q3 subscriber figures yesterday.