AT&T Adds Wireless Customers and HBO Subscribers to End Revenues as Media Giant

AT&T Inc. saw strong customer growth in its core wireless business during the first quarter as it capped its run as a modern media company.

The Dallas telecommunications giant reported a net gain of 691,000 postpaid phone connections in the three months to March, beating the average target of 413,000 phones from Wall Street analysts polled by FactSet. Investors often appreciate postpaid lines that represent reliable revenue from contracted customers. These telephone connections, as well as prepaid subscribers, exceeded 86 million at the end of March.