On Monday night, COMMA (Communication Majors and Minors Association) students had their November meeting featuring Gregg Morton, President of AT&T in Tennessee. He spoke on the future of telecommunications locally in the state and nationwide.
Morton agreed with common thinking, stating that personal landline telephones are diminishing in American households.
“About 30 percent of Americans have cut the cord completely with traditional land-line telephones and have wireless only in their home,” Morton said.
Students raised interesting questions about how technology is converging on a various platforms.
“The convergence of the three screens (computer, smart phone and television) will continue to be technologically evident,” says Morton. “Consumers will still hold preference for mobility.”
The executive reiterated that AT&T provides a strong wireless and broadband service to consumers.
Morton emphasized that Tennessee receives the most capital investment from AT&T than any other state in the United States. AT&T is committed to provide network availability for the entire state.
He concluded his remarks, saying the future will offer emerging devices with technological advances. For example, pill bottles could notify individuals to take their medications and a dog collar might soon contain a tracking chip, making owners aware of their pet’s location.
Being a South Carolina native, Morton graduated from Clemson University’s College of Business and Behavioral Science. The 31-year AT&T veteran is highly involved in the Nashville community, as he is a board member of the Nashville Symphony and chairman of Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
In his role at AT&T, Morton works closely with community leaders and state policymakers to bring the best new technology to consumers. He has led legislative efforts in South Carolina and in Tennessee to update 1934-era laws.