March 10 (Reuters) - AT&T ( T ) forecast first-quarter

adjusted profit in line with analysts' estimates on Monday,

signaling steady demand for its discounted premium plans

combining 5G mobile with high-speed fiber data.

The U.S. telecom giant has been investing in its high-speed

fiber internet offerings to help drive faster subscriber and

revenue growth, at a time when the pool of potential new

wireless customers shrinks in the United States.

On an adjusted basis, the company expects per-share earnings

of 48 cents or higher excluding DIRECTV, compared with estimates

of 49 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG.

AT&T ( T ), which acquired DirecTV in 2015, said last year in

September that it would sell its entire 70% stake in satellite

TV provider DirecTV to private equity firm TPG, exiting

a business marked by declining distributions for the telecom

operator. The deal is expected to close in mid-2025.

The company said on Monday it expects to receive about $1.4

billion to $1.5 billion of cash payments from DIRECTV related to

this deal.

AT&T ( T ) also reaffirmed its annual adjusted profit forecast in

the range of $1.97 to $2.07 per share.