Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ): Is AT&T Inc. (T) Destined for Greatness?

There does remain one rather bite-sized acquisition on the horizon, though. My Foolish colleague Evan Niu notes that AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has been mulling a bid for more spectrum, which would enable it to provide enhanced wireless services to more consumers. The company is planning to take over Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP)‘ prepaid Cricket service for an estimated $1.2 billion, which not only adds coverage, but also brings on one of the few prepaid “success” stories in an American market dominated by two-year contracts. AT&T has also been deploying large and small cell cites as part of its Project Velocity IP program to strengthen its LTE coverage.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has also rolled out a new mobile upgrade plan called “AT&T Next,” which will allow customers to upgrade their devices every year without any down payments, fees, or service contracts. However, they will be charged a fixed monthly installment in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the handset. Fool contributor Doug Ehrman notes that T MOBILE US INC (NYSE:TMUS)’s JUMP! Plan and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s Edge are two options already allowing customers to upgrade twice per year, but the latter requires customers to pay half of the device cost before upgrading.

Putting the pieces together
Today, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has many of the qualities that make up a great stock, but no stock is truly perfect. Digging deeper can help you uncover the answers you need to make a great buy — or to stay away from a stock that’s going nowhere.

The article Is AT&T Destined for Greatness? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Alex Planes.

Fool contributor Alex Planes has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Vodafone. 

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