Fitch: Tablets Drive PostPaid Wireless Additions During Third Quarter

Link to Fitch Ratings' Report: U.S. Communications Industry Leaders Competitive Scorecard - Third Quarter 2013

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=728140

Postpaid wireless net additions among the largest wireless operators surged 90% during third-quarter 2013 when compared with the same period during 2012. Higher postpaid gross additions, combined with improved to stable subscriber churn, contributed to rise of postpaid net additions. Fitch estimates tablets and other Internet connected devices constituted 54% of the 1.4 million postpaid subscriber units added during the third quarter of 2013.

Subscriber addition metrics of the leading wireless operators were buoyed by the continued resurgence of T-Mobile US, Inc.'s (T-Mobile) operating performance. Verizon led all wireless operators with approximately 927,000 postpaid wireless additions during third-quarter 2013, but T-Mobile's postpaid subscriber metrics represent the largest turnaround among the leading wireless operators. The company added 648,000 postpaid subscribers during the quarter reflecting a 1.1 million net improvement relative to third-quarter 2012, when T-Mobile lost approximately 492,000 postpaid customers.

Fitch estimates the largest video service providers gained 23,000 video subscribers during the third quarter of 2013 marking an improvement relative to the 50,000 video subscribers lost during the third quarter of 2012. Additionally, Fitch believes the largest multi-channel video programming distributors gained approximately 27,000 video customers during the LTM ended Sept. 30, 2013.

Fitch's special report 'U.S. Communications Industry Leaders Competitive Scorecard' discusses trends in the 3Q'13 regarding the scope and depth of the competitive overlap of leading telecommunications operators. The report compares the competitive positions of the leading local exchange carriers (LEC), cable multiple system operators (MSOs), wireless service providers and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators. The report also summarizes key operating metrics financial statistics, particularly related to key forecast items such as revenue growth, margin changes, capital re-investment and debt. Additionally, the report includes summary comments concerning key developments in the quarter.

This quarterly report can be found at 'www.fitchratings.com' under the following headers:

Sectors then Corporate Finance then Corporates then Special Reports

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

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