Reuters first to report AT&T considers cellphone plans subsidized by ads

Reuters broke the news that AT&T Inc is considering offering wireless phone plans partially subsidized by advertising as soon as a year from now. The consideration underscores AT&T’s commitment to the advertising business as the U.S. phone carrier reviews its portfolio to identify assets to sell in order to reduce its debt load. Companies including Amazon.com Inc, Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint’s Boost Mobile have tested advertising supported phone services since the early 2000s but they have not caught on.