networks, this is changing. Subscribers now routinely stream video and access their cloud accounts and social networks. Each new www.TechnicalPDF.com generation of smartphone does not need to be upgraded as often to increase capacity. And importantly, providers are no longer subsidizing smartphone purchases. Formerly AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile promised subscribers, for example, a $600 iPhone for only $200 if they signed a 2-year contract. At the end of the contract term, subscribers could change to a different mobile provider and have a new phone that they were able to pay off in a few years with low equipment charges on their mobile bills. With providers no longer subsidizing new phones, many subscribers keep their phones longer and don't change to a different mobile network. Consolidation of Mobile Providers Until mid-2004, there were six major mobile carriers in the United States: AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Cingular, Sprint, Nextel, and T-Mobile USA. Currently, there are only four major mobile carriers, and if the FCC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) approve the proposed Sprint and T-Mobile USA merger, there will only be three facilities-based mobile carriers. Table 3-6 lists the largest facilities-based mobile carriers. Table 3-6 The 10 Largest Facilities-Based Cellular Companies in the United States Cellular Number of Recent Provider Connections* Acquisitions Verizon Wireless Purchased Cincinnati Bell mobile network in 2014, which now resells Verizon Wireless service Purchased Alltel Corporation and Rural Cellular in 2008 www.TechnicalPDF.com AT&T Mobility Purchased Centennial in 2008 Sprint Purchased mobile provider Clearwire in 2013 T-Mobile USA Purchased Iowa Wireless Services 4th quarter 2017 US Cellular Operates in Pacific Northwest, parts of the Midwest, East, and New Hampshire; part of TDS Telecom C Spire Wireless Owned by private company Telapex, (formerly named Inc. Service in Mississippi, Florida, Cellular South Tennessee and Alabama Inc.) *Source: Company web sites; includes post