Expert: Denny Adams - 1/25/2009

Question
Hello! I have spoken with a number of representatives from AT&T, but have not been able to determine an answer to my question. Exactly how long does a cell phone company, specifically AT&T, keep text message content stored in a database? I received notice that AT&T has been issued a subpoena for my phone records, and I do understand that incoming/outgoing calls and the day and time that text messages were sent/received are kept in a log. But I was wondering exactly how long (days, months, years) AT&T keeps a record of the content of text messages sent and received. Would it go back from the date the subpoena was received? I am not sure how accurate this is, but I understand that AT&T and most other large cellular service providers are not able to keep more than a month's worth of text message content in a database? Please let me know as many specifics as you can. It would be a huge help. Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
Jessica, for legal reasons, I don't believe we can get a clear answer on exactly how long texts are stored in a database. If you were to get a definite answer then people could use that to their advantage to commit whatever it is they don't want to be kept.  I personally have heard both ends of the scale.  from not at all, to forever.  I really wish I could answer you, but all we will be able to find is peoples hearsay.  Would you like me to give you the process for providing att the information necessary to get the texts? Let me know