More Hartford-Area Customers Gain Video Choice with AT&T U-verse TV

More Hartford-Area Customers Gain Video Choice with AT&T U-verse TV

More Than 80 Connecticut Cities and Towns Have U-verse Services Available

HARTFORD, Conn., April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More Hartford-area residents and their televisions join thousands of Nutmegers in getting a better choice for their TV entertainment. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and state Sen. John Fonfara announced today that AT&T U-verse(SM) TV and Internet services are now more widely available in Hartford and to more than 230,000 living units in parts of more than 80 Connecticut cities and towns. Fonfara is one of the principal authors of a new state law allowing consumers to have a video choice beyond their incumbent cable company.

Since introducing U-verse services to parts of nine Connecticut cities and towns in December 2006, AT&T has made service available to more Connecticut customers on an ongoing basis -- and the aggressive rollout is expected to continue. AT&T also has expanded its channel lineup, including more High Definition (HD) channels, and has added unique interactive features that have further differentiated the service from its competitors. This week, the company added AT&T Online Photos from Flickr -- a simple and convenient way to watch slide shows and browse online photos right from U-verse TV screens.

"Progressive public policy is one that ensures consumer choice," said Fonfara. "I was proud to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly last year to pass legislation that fosters a competitive environment in our state for entertainment services. And now I am proud today to stand in Hartford to announce that additional Connecticut consumers will benefit from this policy. I applaud the fact that AT&T continues to expand its U-verse services footprint and invest in Connecticut's communications infrastructure; such investment will benefit the state's economy and its consumers."

"On behalf of the consumers in Connecticut, a grateful thank you is owed to Sen. Fonfara, Rep. Steve Fontana, their colleagues in the General Assembly and Gov. Jodi Rell for bringing competition to the video services market," said Ramona Carlow, president, AT&T Connecticut. "Consumer reaction to having a choice has been remarkable. With AT&T U-verse TV, we are proud to compete in Connecticut's vibrant video services market, and we remain committed to delivering better services and greater value to consumers."

"Consumers in Connecticut, regardless of socioeconomic status, deserve a choice," said Carmen Sierra, Executive Director, Connecticut Association for United Spanish Action (CAUSA). "Tired claims that AT&T U-verse service would be available to only the wealthiest communities were disproved a long time ago -- a fact that's reinforced today as we gather in Hartford. As a community leader and consumer, I applaud AT&T's commitment to the citizens of Connecticut."

AT&T is the only national provider to offer a 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service, making AT&T U-verse TV one of the most advanced television offerings available. AT&T is deploying next-generation video services, including AT&T U-verse TV, as part of its mission to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work, and do it better than anyone else.

"U-verse TV is quickly expanding, and we're looking forward to bringing our innovative video choice to more Connecticut consumers," said Chad Townes, vice president and general manager for AT&T Connecticut. "Since last year, we've really been able to show Connecticut what U-verse TV is all about. We've launched new interactive features and have expanded our lineup to offer up to 44 HD channels, and we've brought customers a better video choice."

In addition to AT&T Online Photos from Flickr, U-verse TV has introduced several new interactive features since its launch in Connecticut -- at no extra charge -- including:

    --   AT&T U-bar, which brings customizable weather, stock, sports and         traffic information to the U-verse TV screen, without interrupting         the current program. Customers who also subscribe to AT&T High Speed         Internet can personalize the U-bar from their AT&T portal to display         weather at specific locations, their personal stock portfolio and         scores for their favorite sports teams.    --   YELLOWPAGES.COM TV, which lets U-verse TV customers easily search         for local businesses and other information via their TV screen.    --   AT&T Yahoo! Games, so U-verse TV customers can now play their         favorite online games -- including Sudoku, Solitaire, JT's Blocks,         Mah-jongg Tiles and Chess -- on the TV screen.    

Connecticut was also one of the first areas to receive AT&T U-verse Voice, a next-generation digital voice service that brings together customers' AT&T wireline and wireless voice, broadband and TV services with unique features that provide a new level of integration, convenience and control.

Customers who want additional information on AT&T U-verse service -- or to find out if it's available in their area - can visit http://uverse.att.com/ or stop by the nearest AT&T retail location. To find the closest store, visit http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store/.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rolf.gatlin@fleishman.com

Source: AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Seth Bloom of AT&T, +1-203-710-5100, sbloom@attnews.us

Web site: http://www.att.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment