Why is AT&T struggling?

AT&T, a titan of telecommunications, faces a complex web of challenges impacting its market position. This analysis delves into the core reasons behind AT&T's struggles, exploring competitive pressures, technological shifts, and strategic decisions that have shaped its current landscape. Understanding these factors is crucial for investors, consumers, and industry observers alike.

Navigating the Challenges: Why is AT&T Struggling?

AT&T, a company with a storied history deeply intertwined with the evolution of communication, finds itself at a critical juncture. In 2025, the telecommunications giant is grappling with a confluence of intense competition, the relentless pace of technological advancement, and the lingering effects of ambitious strategic decisions. These factors have collectively contributed to a perception of struggle, impacting its stock performance, market share, and overall strategic agility. While AT&T remains a dominant force in connectivity, understanding the specific headwinds it faces is essential to appreciating its current market position and future prospects. This comprehensive analysis will dissect the multifaceted reasons behind AT&T's ongoing challenges, providing a clear picture of the complex landscape it navigates.

Intense Competition: A Shifting Battleground

The telecommunications industry has never been static, but in recent years, the competitive landscape has intensified dramatically. AT&T, once a near-monopoly, now operates in highly contested markets where innovation, aggressive pricing, and customer acquisition are paramount. This section explores the key competitive arenas where AT&T faces significant pressure.

Wireless Wars: Market Saturation and Churn

The U.S. wireless market is remarkably saturated, with smartphone penetration rates exceeding 85%. This means that growth primarily comes from acquiring customers from competitors or expanding into underserved segments, rather than tapping into new user bases. AT&T, alongside Verizon and T-Mobile, is locked in a fierce battle for market share. While all three major carriers offer robust 5G networks and a plethora of plans, differentiation has become increasingly difficult. This leads to heightened competition on price, promotional offers, and bundled services.

Key Factors in Wireless Competition:

• Market Saturation: With most Americans already owning smartphones, carriers are fighting over existing subscribers.
• Price Sensitivity: Consumers are often drawn to the most cost-effective plans, leading to price wars and reduced margins.
• Churn Rate: The ease with which customers can switch providers means that retaining subscribers is a constant challenge. High churn rates necessitate significant investment in customer acquisition and retention programs.
• MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): Companies like Mint Mobile, Visible, and Google Fi leverage the networks of the major carriers but offer significantly lower prices, putting further pressure on AT&T's premium offerings.

In 2025, the trend of customers seeking value continues. While AT&T has made strides in offering more competitive plans, the perception of being the most expensive carrier persists for some segments. The ongoing consolidation among Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) also presents a more unified and aggressive front against the major carriers. For instance, the acquisition of a significant MVNO by a larger entity can lead to more coordinated marketing and pricing strategies, directly impacting AT&T's subscriber growth and retention efforts.

Broadband Battles: Fiber vs. Cable and 5G

The fixed broadband market is another area of intense competition. AT&T has been aggressively expanding its fiber optic network, which offers superior speeds and reliability compared to traditional cable or DSL. However, this expansion is capital-intensive and faces competition from established cable giants like Comcast (Xfinity) and Charter Communications (Spectrum), who are also upgrading their networks and offering competitive bundles.

The Broadband Landscape:

• Fiber Deployment: AT&T's commitment to fiber is a strategic advantage, but the rollout is slow and costly, especially in rural or less densely populated areas.
• Cable Competition: Cable providers have a significant head start in many markets and are leveraging their existing infrastructure to offer competitive speeds and pricing.
• 5G Home Internet: The emergence of 5G home internet services, including those offered by T-Mobile and Verizon, presents a new competitive threat. While not yet a full replacement for high-speed fiber in all scenarios, it offers a compelling alternative in areas where wired infrastructure is lacking or expensive to deploy.

In 2025, the battle for broadband customers is increasingly fought on the grounds of speed, reliability, and price. AT&T's investment in fiber is a long-term play, but the immediate challenge is competing with the widespread availability and aggressive pricing of cable services. Furthermore, the continued evolution of 5G home internet is a significant factor. While initially positioned as a secondary option, advancements in 5G technology are making it a more viable primary internet solution for a growing number of households, especially in suburban and rural areas where fiber deployment is less economically feasible. This forces AT&T to not only compete with wired providers but also with wireless alternatives for home connectivity.

The Streaming Subsidiary Syndrome: Dissecting WarnerMedia

One of the most significant strategic missteps that contributed to AT&T's recent struggles was its acquisition and subsequent divestiture of WarnerMedia. In 2018, AT&T acquired Time Warner for $85 billion, aiming to create a media and telecom powerhouse that could leverage content across its distribution platforms. The vision was to integrate WarnerMedia's vast library of film, television, and news assets with AT&T's broadband and wireless services, creating synergistic opportunities.

However, the integration proved far more complex and costly than anticipated. The streaming wars intensified with the launch of Disney+, Apple TV+, and the continued dominance of Netflix. WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max, struggled to gain significant market share against these behemoths, despite critical acclaim for its content. The massive debt incurred for the acquisition, coupled with the high operational costs of running a streaming service and the changing media landscape, placed a substantial financial burden on AT&T.

In 2022, AT&T spun off WarnerMedia, merging it with Discovery Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery. This move, while freeing AT&T from the direct financial obligations of the media business, represented a significant loss on its investment and a strategic pivot away from content creation. The divestiture highlighted the challenges of integrating vastly different business models and the difficulty of achieving promised synergies in a rapidly evolving market.

Lessons from WarnerMedia:

• Synergy Overestimation: The belief that content and distribution could be seamlessly integrated and monetized proved overly optimistic.
• Financial Strain: The acquisition significantly increased AT&T's debt load, impacting its ability to invest in core infrastructure.
• Market Dynamics: The streaming landscape is fiercely competitive, requiring massive ongoing investment in content and marketing to stand out.
• Strategic Focus: The distraction of managing a large media conglomerate diverted attention and resources from AT&T's core telecommunications business.

The financial and strategic repercussions of the WarnerMedia saga continued to echo into 2025. While the divestiture provided some financial relief, the opportunity cost of the acquisition and the subsequent sale at a loss significantly impacted AT&T's balance sheet and investor confidence. The experience served as a stark reminder of the complexities of diversification and the importance of maintaining a clear strategic focus in the telecommunications sector.

Technological Evolution and Infrastructure Costs

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continuous technological advancement, requiring massive and ongoing investment in infrastructure. For AT&T, keeping pace with these developments while managing the costs associated with legacy systems and new deployments presents a significant challenge.

The 5G Rollout: A Costly Race

The transition to 5G technology represents a fundamental shift in mobile network capabilities, promising higher speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a massive number of devices. However, deploying a nationwide 5G network is an incredibly expensive undertaking. It requires significant investment in new spectrum licenses, upgrading cell towers, deploying small cells, and enhancing backhaul infrastructure.

AT&T has been investing billions of dollars in its 5G network. While this investment is crucial for future competitiveness, it places a substantial strain on the company's capital expenditure budget. The return on this investment is not immediate, as widespread adoption of 5G-enabled devices and applications takes time. Furthermore, the competitive nature of the 5G rollout means that AT&T must deploy rapidly to keep pace with rivals like Verizon and T-Mobile, even if it means incurring significant upfront costs.

5G Deployment Challenges:

• Spectrum Acquisition: Securing necessary radio frequencies through government auctions is extremely costly.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Building out new cell sites, densifying existing networks with small cells, and upgrading fiber backhaul are all capital-intensive.
• Device Adoption: The widespread availability and affordability of 5G-compatible devices are critical for network utilization.
• Return on Investment (ROI): The long-term benefits of 5G are clear, but realizing a significant ROI takes time and depends on the development of new use cases and services.

In 2025, while AT&T's 5G network is robust and expanding, the sheer scale of investment continues to be a factor. The company is also focusing on leveraging its mid-band spectrum for a more balanced approach to speed and coverage. The challenge lies in monetizing these investments effectively. As more businesses and consumers adopt 5G, AT&T aims to capitalize on new revenue streams from enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, and enterprise solutions. However, the competitive pressure to maintain network leadership means that capital expenditures remain high, impacting profitability in the short to medium term.

Legacy Networks and Maintenance Burdens

Alongside the push for 5G, AT&T still operates and maintains a vast network of legacy infrastructure, including 4G LTE, copper-based DSL lines, and older switching equipment. While these networks are essential for serving existing customers and providing essential services, they represent a significant ongoing cost.

Maintaining these older systems requires specialized expertise, spare parts, and continuous upgrades to ensure reliability and security. The process of decommissioning legacy networks is also complex and can be costly, often requiring careful planning to avoid service disruptions. This dual burden of investing in new technologies while managing the costs of older ones creates a financial strain.

Legacy Infrastructure Challenges:

• Maintenance Costs: Older equipment often requires more frequent repairs and specialized maintenance.
• Decommissioning Complexity: Safely and efficiently retiring old infrastructure can be a costly and time-consuming process.
• Resource Allocation: Balancing investment between new technology deployment and legacy network upkeep is a constant challenge.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Older systems can sometimes be more susceptible to cyber threats if not properly managed.

By 2025, AT&T has made significant progress in phasing out its copper-based network in favor of fiber. However, the transition is not uniform across all regions, and the maintenance of 4G LTE infrastructure remains a substantial operational cost. The company is actively working to streamline its network operations, but the sheer scale of its historical infrastructure means that legacy costs will continue to be a factor for some time, impacting its ability to allocate capital to newer, more innovative ventures.

Cybersecurity and Network Resilience

In an increasingly digital world, the security and resilience of telecommunications networks are paramount. AT&T, as a critical infrastructure provider, is a prime target for cyberattacks. Protecting its vast network and customer data from sophisticated threats requires continuous investment in advanced security measures, threat detection, and incident response capabilities.

The cost of cybersecurity is not just about technology; it also involves highly skilled personnel, ongoing training, and the potential for significant financial and reputational damage in the event of a breach. Ensuring network resilience—the ability to withstand and recover from disruptions, whether caused by cyberattacks, natural disasters, or technical failures—is another critical and costly imperative.

Cybersecurity and Resilience Imperatives:

• Threat Landscape: The evolving nature of cyber threats requires constant vigilance and adaptation of security protocols.
• Data Protection: Protecting sensitive customer data is a legal and ethical obligation, with severe penalties for breaches.
• Network Downtime: Any significant network outage can lead to substantial financial losses and erosion of customer trust.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to evolving cybersecurity regulations adds to operational complexity and cost.

In 2025, the threat landscape continues to be dynamic. AT&T invests heavily in AI-driven security systems, threat intelligence, and robust incident response teams. The company's commitment to network resilience is evident in its redundant systems and disaster recovery plans. However, the ongoing arms race with cybercriminals means that these investments are perpetual, contributing to operational expenses and requiring a constant re-evaluation of security strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Strategic Decisions and Financial Pressures

Beyond competitive and technological challenges, AT&T's current situation is also shaped by a series of strategic decisions, particularly concerning its financial structure and past acquisitions. These choices have had a profound impact on its flexibility and ability to invest.

Debt Management and Capital Allocation

AT&T has historically carried a significant amount of debt, much of which was incurred to finance major acquisitions, most notably the purchase of Time Warner. High levels of debt can limit a company's financial flexibility, making it more challenging to invest in new technologies, respond to competitive pressures, or weather economic downturns.

Managing this debt requires substantial interest payments, which divert capital that could otherwise be used for growth initiatives. The company has been actively working to reduce its debt load through asset sales and by prioritizing free cash flow generation. However, the sheer scale of its debt obligations remains a significant factor influencing its strategic decisions and capital allocation priorities.

Debt and Capital Allocation Factors:

• Interest Expenses: High debt levels translate into significant annual interest payments.
• Credit Ratings: Debt levels can impact credit ratings, influencing the cost of future borrowing.
• Investment Capacity: A large debt burden can constrain the ability to make large-scale strategic investments.
• Shareholder Returns: Balancing debt reduction with dividends and share buybacks is a key consideration.

As of 2025, AT&T has made considerable progress in deleveraging its balance sheet. The divestiture of non-core assets and a renewed focus on operational efficiency have helped reduce its debt. However, the legacy of its leveraged acquisitions means that debt management remains a critical aspect of its financial strategy. The company's ability to allocate capital effectively—balancing investments in 5G, fiber, and network modernization with debt reduction and shareholder returns—is crucial for its long-term financial health and market competitiveness.

Acquisitions and Divestitures: A Complex History

AT&T's history is marked by a series of ambitious acquisitions and subsequent divestitures, often driven by a desire to diversify and capture new revenue streams. The most prominent example, as discussed earlier, is the acquisition and divestiture of WarnerMedia. However, other significant moves, such as the acquisition of DIRECTV, also played a role in shaping the company's current structure and financial position.

The DIRECTV acquisition, completed in 2015, aimed to combine AT&T's broadband and mobile services with satellite television. However, the pay-TV market has faced significant cord-cutting trends, and DIRECTV has struggled to adapt. AT&T eventually sold a majority stake in DIRECTV in 2021, retaining a minority interest. These large-scale transactions, while intended to create synergies, often resulted in complex integrations, significant debt, and ultimately, a strategic retreat.

Impact of Past Transactions:

• Diversification Attempts: Past acquisitions reflect a strategy of diversifying beyond traditional telecom services.
• Financial Strain: Many of these deals were financed with significant debt, impacting the balance sheet.
• Strategic Realignments: Subsequent divestitures indicate a need to refocus on core competencies.
• Complexity and Integration Costs: Merging disparate businesses is inherently complex and costly.

The legacy of these strategic moves continues to influence AT&T's operational structure and financial outlook in 2025. While the company has divested some of its more problematic acquisitions, the experience has underscored the challenges of large-scale diversification and the importance of a focused strategy. The ongoing management of minority stakes in divested entities also adds a layer of complexity to its financial reporting and strategic planning.

Regulatory Environment and Antitrust Scrutiny

As a dominant player in the telecommunications sector, AT&T operates under significant regulatory oversight. Government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) monitor its activities to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.

Historically, AT&T has faced antitrust scrutiny, particularly during periods of significant mergers and acquisitions. While the company has largely avoided major forced breakups in recent decades, the threat of regulatory intervention can influence its strategic decisions. New regulations concerning net neutrality, spectrum allocation, and data privacy also add to the compliance burden and can impact business operations.

Regulatory Considerations:

• Merger Reviews: Large-scale acquisitions are subject to rigorous antitrust review.
• Spectrum Policy: FCC decisions on spectrum allocation and auctions directly impact mobile network development.
• Net Neutrality: Debates and rulings on net neutrality can affect how AT&T manages its network traffic and offers services.
• Data Privacy: Evolving data privacy laws require robust compliance measures.

In 2025, the regulatory landscape remains a critical consideration for AT&T. The ongoing discussions around broadband deployment, competition in the wireless market, and the potential for further consolidation mean that regulatory decisions can have a significant impact on the company's future. AT&T actively engages with policymakers and regulators to shape these outcomes, but the inherent uncertainty of the regulatory environment adds another layer of complexity to its strategic planning.

Customer Experience and Brand Perception

In a highly competitive market, customer experience and brand perception are critical differentiators. While AT&T boasts a vast customer base, it has faced challenges in consistently delivering exceptional service and maintaining a positive brand image across all its offerings.

Service Quality and Reliability

For a telecommunications company, network quality and reliability are non-negotiable. Customers expect seamless connectivity for their mobile devices and stable internet access at home. While AT&T has invested heavily in its network infrastructure, occasional outages, service degradations, or perceived inconsistencies can significantly impact customer satisfaction.

The perception of reliability can also be influenced by competitive comparisons. If rivals are perceived to offer more consistent service in specific areas or for particular use cases, it can lead customers to question AT&T's performance. The sheer scale of AT&T's network means that maintaining optimal performance across millions of connections and diverse geographical locations is a continuous operational challenge.

Factors Affecting Service Quality:

• Network Congestion: High usage in certain areas can lead to temporary slowdowns.
• Infrastructure Issues: Technical faults or maintenance can cause service disruptions.
• Weather and Environmental Factors: Extreme weather can impact network performance.
• Device Compatibility: Issues with customer devices can sometimes be misattributed to network problems.

In 2025, AT&T continues to prioritize network investments aimed at enhancing reliability and performance, particularly with its 5G and fiber deployments. Independent network performance studies, such as those conducted by Ookla or umlaut, provide valuable benchmarks. While AT&T often ranks highly in these reports, any perceived dip in performance or significant outage can quickly damage its reputation and lead to customer churn. The company actively monitors network performance and deploys resources to address issues proactively.

Customer Service Challenges

Delivering exceptional customer service is a complex undertaking for any large organization, and AT&T is no exception. Customers often interact with AT&T through various channels, including retail stores, online portals, mobile apps, and call centers. Inconsistent experiences across these touchpoints can lead to frustration.

Issues such as long wait times, unresolved problems, complex billing, and difficulties navigating customer support can negatively impact customer loyalty. While AT&T has invested in improving its customer service tools and training, the sheer volume of customer interactions means that challenges persist. The perception of customer service quality is often amplified through social media and online reviews, making it a critical area for improvement.

Customer Service Pain Points:

• Wait Times: Long hold times in call centers are a common complaint.
• Problem Resolution: Customers desire quick and effective solutions to their issues.
• Billing Clarity: Complex billing statements can be confusing for many users.
• Omnichannel Experience: Ensuring seamless transitions between different service channels is difficult.

AT&T is actively working to enhance its customer service through AI-powered chatbots, self-service options, and improved agent training. The goal is to provide more personalized and efficient support. However, the challenge lies in scaling these improvements to meet the demands of millions of customers while also managing costs. The company's focus in 2025 is on leveraging technology to empower customers with self-service tools and to equip service agents with better information and resolution capabilities.

Rebuilding Trust and Loyalty

The combination of intense competition, the financial strains from past strategic decisions, and occasional stumbles in customer experience can erode trust and loyalty among customers. In a market where switching providers is relatively easy, retaining existing customers is paramount.

AT&T is actively working to rebuild trust and foster loyalty through various initiatives, including improved network performance, more competitive pricing on certain plans, bundled offers, and enhanced customer service. The company's strategy often involves highlighting the value of its integrated services, such as bundling mobile plans with home internet or offering exclusive perks to loyal customers.

Strategies for Building Loyalty:

• Value-Added Services: Offering perks like streaming service bundles or device protection plans.
• Loyalty Programs: Rewarding long-term customers with discounts or exclusive offers.
• Proactive Communication: Keeping customers informed about network upgrades or potential service impacts.
• Personalized Offers: Tailoring promotions and plans to individual customer needs.

In 2025, AT&T's efforts to rebuild trust are ongoing. The company recognizes that consistent delivery of reliable service, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support are the cornerstones of long-term loyalty. The success of these efforts will be measured by improvements in customer retention rates, satisfaction scores, and overall brand perception. The competitive pressure from rivals who are also vying for customer loyalty means that AT&T must continuously innovate and demonstrate its commitment to customer value.

The Path Forward: Strategies for Revitalization

Despite the challenges, AT&T is not standing still. The company is actively implementing strategies to address its struggles and position itself for future growth. This section outlines the key areas of focus for its revitalization efforts.

Focusing on Core Competencies

A significant strategic shift for AT&T has been its renewed focus on its core telecommunications business: mobility and broadband. By divesting non-core assets like WarnerMedia and a majority stake in DIRECTV, the company is aiming to streamline its operations and concentrate its resources on areas where it has a competitive advantage.

This focus allows AT&T to allocate capital more effectively towards network investments, innovation, and customer acquisition within its primary markets. The goal is to become a leaner, more agile organization that excels at providing connectivity and related services.

Core Competency Focus:

• Mobility: Continuing to invest in and expand its 5G network.
• Broadband: Accelerating fiber deployment and enhancing its fixed wireless offerings.
• Enterprise Solutions: Leveraging its network capabilities to serve business customers with advanced connectivity and private networks.

In 2025, this strategic realignment is evident in AT&T's capital expenditure priorities. The company is channeling significant investments into expanding its fiber footprint and densifying its 5G network, particularly in the mid-band spectrum, which offers a good balance of speed and coverage. This deliberate focus aims to strengthen its competitive position in the most critical segments of the telecommunications market.

Leveraging 5G and Edge Computing

5G technology is not just about faster mobile downloads; it's a platform for new services and business models. AT&T is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on these opportunities, particularly in areas like edge computing.

Edge computing involves processing data closer to where it is generated, reducing latency and enabling real-time applications. AT&T's extensive network infrastructure, including its fiber backhaul and growing 5G coverage, provides a strong foundation for deploying edge computing solutions. These solutions can benefit industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

5G and Edge Opportunities:

• Low-Latency Applications: Enabling real-time control for industrial automation and gaming.
• IoT Growth: Supporting a massive increase in connected devices with faster processing.
• Private 5G Networks: Offering dedicated 5G networks for enterprises.
• Network Slicing: Providing customized network performance for specific applications.

By 2025, AT&T is actively partnering with businesses to develop and deploy edge computing solutions. The company sees this as a key growth area that leverages its core network strengths and creates new revenue streams beyond traditional connectivity services. The development of private 5G networks for enterprises is also a significant focus, offering tailored connectivity solutions for businesses seeking enhanced control and performance.

Streamlining Operations and Debt Reduction

As mentioned earlier, AT&T has made significant strides in reducing its debt burden. This deleveraging is crucial for improving its financial flexibility and reducing interest expenses.

Beyond debt reduction, AT&T is also focused on streamlining its operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This includes optimizing its workforce, simplifying its product offerings, and leveraging automation and AI to enhance operational processes. The goal is to achieve a more efficient cost structure that can support ongoing network investments and competitive pricing.

Operational Efficiency Measures:

• Cost Optimization: Identifying and eliminating redundant expenses.
• Process Automation: Using technology to automate routine tasks.
• Network Modernization: Phasing out legacy systems to reduce maintenance costs.
• Workforce Alignment: Ensuring the right skills are in place for future needs.

In 2025, the commitment to operational efficiency is a continuous process. AT&T is focused on extracting maximum value from its existing infrastructure while strategically investing in future technologies. The ongoing efforts to reduce debt and improve operational efficiency are fundamental to restoring investor confidence and enhancing the company's long-term financial stability.

Enhancing Customer-Centricity

Ultimately, AT&T's success hinges on its ability to attract and retain customers. The company is placing a greater emphasis on customer-centricity, aiming to deliver superior experiences across all touchpoints.

This involves investing in improved customer service tools, simplifying billing and plan structures, and offering more personalized solutions. By listening to customer feedback and proactively addressing their needs, AT&T aims to build stronger relationships and foster greater loyalty.

Customer-Centric Initiatives:

• Simplified Plans: Offering clearer and more transparent pricing.
• Proactive Support: Using data to anticipate customer issues.
• Personalized Recommendations: Tailoring offers and services to individual preferences.
• Seamless Digital Experience: Improving the usability of apps and online portals.

In 2025, AT&T's focus on customer experience is not just about service; it's about building lasting relationships. The company understands that in a competitive market, customer loyalty is earned through consistent value, reliable service, and a positive overall experience. Initiatives aimed at simplifying customer interactions and providing more personalized support are key to achieving this goal.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Telecom

AT&T's struggles in recent years are a complex interplay of intense market competition, the escalating costs of technological advancement, and the reverberations of ambitious strategic decisions. The saturated wireless market, fierce broadband battles, and the costly foray into media have all presented significant headwinds. Furthermore, the immense capital required for the 5G rollout, coupled with the ongoing maintenance of legacy infrastructure and the perpetual need for robust cybersecurity, places a continuous strain on resources.

The company's historical debt load, exacerbated by large acquisitions, has also constrained its financial flexibility. While AT&T has made commendable progress in reducing debt and divesting non-core assets, the path forward requires a disciplined focus on its core competencies: mobility and broadband. By strategically leveraging the power of 5G and edge computing, streamlining operations for greater efficiency, and relentlessly prioritizing customer-centricity, AT&T is charting a course towards revitalization.

The future of AT&T hinges on its ability to execute these strategies effectively, demonstrating consistent network superiority, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and proving its long-term value proposition to investors and consumers alike. The telecommunications landscape will continue to evolve, but AT&T's renewed focus and strategic adjustments position it to navigate these changes and reclaim its standing as a leader in connectivity.