AT&T launched U-verse television and high-speed Internet services for residential customers in the Toledo area on Nov. 24.

U-verse TV and Internet services are delivered over AT&T’s advanced Internet Protocol (IP) network, offering a new alternative to cable television and Internet. The new services are available in parts of nine local communities including, Toledo, Holland, Monclova Township, Ottawa Hills, Perrysburg, Perrysburg Township, Spencer Township, Springfield Township, and Sylvania Township.

Amanda Harris

“Christmas came early to Toledo as we’ve brought a choice that’s cooler than cable because we bring you more as the only national provider to offer 100 percent IP-based television,” said Amanda Harris, general manager for AT&T in Ohio.

U-verse TV is offered to consumers with no contract or term commitment and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It includes professional installation by AT&T employees who have received eight weeks of training in order to demonstrate the services and how to access them with one remote control.

More than 781,000 customers have purchased U-verse TV from AT&T in its first year of availability. The company expects to reach 1 million customers by the end of 2008.

One family in Toledo already has experienced U-verse TV. The Frisch family became the first U-verse customers in this area when AT&T donated the Internet, telephone and television services as part of the ABC “Extreme Makeover” project.

“We were proud to join the community by donating AT&T U-verse services to make their new home a high-tech home, where every member of the Frisch family can enjoy watching their favorite shows when they want in any room,” Harris said.

“It’s worked out very well for us. It’s very user-friendly and offers lots of channels and options. Our family is really enjoying it,” said father Aaron Frisch, who with his wife are supporting a family of 11 sons.

“Now customers across Toledo can enjoy these new services as we know they are anxious for a better alternative to cable and U-verse TV is the answer. You can watch it when, where and how you want,” Harris said.

U-verse offers multiple combinations of TV and Internet packages with current pricing for U-verse TV starting at $44 per month. When bundled with telephone service, customers can get telephone, U-verse TV and Internet services for as low as $90 per month.

New customers can receive $200 cash back when they order a qualifying U-verse TV package online. Additional promotional offers are available to qualifying customers who bundle Internet and telephone service with it.

The company is working hard to make U-verse services available to more homes throughout the area on an ongoing basis, Harris said.

Toledo is the sixth major metropolitan market in Ohio to receive U-verse, following Akron, Canton, Cleveland Columbus, and Dayton. It is available in 200 communities in those markets.

“More customers are realizing that U-verse is more than just TV. It’s a complete entertainment experience,” Harris said. “U-verse offers a better choice with more HD channels, popular features and programming with greater control.”

The IP technology helps U-verse offer advanced capabilities that customers don’t get from other local providers, such as the ability to record four programs at once on the digital video recorder that comes with the service, Web and mobile remote access to the DVR, and 75 high-definition channels.

U-verse high-speed Internet packages include wireless home networking at no extra cost and access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network with free unlimited connectivity at more than 17,000 locations.

AT&T has invested $500 million in new lines and equipment to make U-verse TV and Internet available. About 500 new jobs were created to upgrade the network and provide IP-based television services in Ohio, according to Harris.

AT&T was able to offer U-verse services to customers in Ohio after the state’s general assembly passed Senate Bill 117 in September of 2007. It provided an environment for new video providers to invest in Ohio to compete with existing cable providers.

“Senate Bill 117 paved the way for increased value and innovation in pay TV and greater investment in the state of Ohio,” said Tom Pelto, president of AT&T Ohio. “Consumers now have a choice when it comes to their television providers.

For additional information or to find out if U-verse is available in your area, visit http://uverse.att.com or call 1-800-ATT-2020.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Technology, Toledo Business Link.
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