Millions of AT&T customers affected by two massive 2024 data breaches could begin receiving cash payouts within months following final court approval of a $177 million class-action settlement.

What we know: Senior U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater of the Northern District of Texas issued a 73-page memorandum opinion and order granting final approval to the agreement, clearing the way for distributions from two non-reversionary funds totaling $177 million.

The decision resolves consolidated multidistrict litigation arising from two separate cybersecurity incidents disclosed by AT&T in 2024: AT&T denied all allegations of liability and wrongdoing as part of the agreement.