AT&T To Offer New Video Services With $400 Million Tennessee Investment

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

As a direct result of a new state law that encourages statewide video competition, AT&T Inc. on Tuesday announced plans to offer video services in communities across Tennessee.

AT&T said it plans to invest approximately $400 million during the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies to bring new services, including "cutting-edge IP-based television," to Tennessee consumers.

These upgrades are a direct consequence of House Bill 1421 passed by the Tennessee Legislature and signed into law in May by Gov. Phil Bredesen, officials said.

Comcast and satellite providers already offer cable TV in Chattanooga, and now local residents will apparently soon be able to choose from AT&T and EPB as well.

“The Legislature and the governor have created a competitive environment for video services, and consumers are the real winners,” said Gregg Morton, president, AT&T Tennessee. “We commend Gov. Bredesen, Speaker Naifeh, Lt. Gov. Ramsey, Comptroller Morgan, Chairman Curtis, Chairman Jones, Rep. McDaniel, Sen. Ketron, Sen. Jackson, Sen. Finney and all of the members of the Tennessee Legislature for their vision.”

He said the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act of 2008, HB 1421, "brings a new world of communications and entertainment for consumers. HB 1421 will also encourage investment in next-generation broadband network infrastructure and will help bring new technology to Tennessee.

"On the first day that HB 1421 became effective, AT&T filed its initial application for a state-issued certificate of franchise authority to offer video services in communities across the state.

“We look forward to bringing Tennesseans not only choice and competition but also advanced video, voice and Internet service technology. It will take time to enhance our network to offer these exceptional services, but we will move as quickly as possible to compete for Tennessee customers.”

AT&T’s planned infrastructure and investment will include "a new world of communications and entertainment through AT&T U-verseSM services. AT&T is the only major U.S. provider to offer a 100 percent Internet Protocol (IP)-based television service, and that makes AT&T U-verse TV one of the most robust and feature-rich services available today."


Family Action Council His Boy Scout Decision Allowing Gay Youths

David Fowler, president of The Family Action Council of Tennessee, hit the decision of the Boy Scouts of America to lift its ban on gay Scouts. He said, "The leaders of the Boy Scouts of America from across the nation have spoken. But what they have said will saddle a great organization with challenges and complexities that always come with giving in to the politics ... (click for more)

Police Blotter: Burglars Tried To Batter Through Oak Street Wall; Hooter's Girl Gets In The Mix

Police made an arrest of a man with a lengthy criminal record after loud banging was heard at the rear of a building at 2500 Oak St. It was found that someone had tried to batter their way through a cinder block wall. They made it through the wall and plywood, but did not get inside. Two black males were seen running nearby. Santana Smith, 37, was found sweating ... (click for more)

Immigration Reform

We do not have to pander to those in our country who were not invited and made their way here on their own. They are here against our laws that are already on the books which are not enforced.  They do not have negotiation rights to dictate to the United States government nor does our government have the right to pick and choose which laws are to be enforced or ignored so ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: Hypocrisy And Horses

I am still wincing over the fact a horrendous bill passed in the state legislature that would make whistle-blowers into criminals would have actually gone into law had it not been for Governor Bill Haslam’s eleventh-hour veto. Called the “Ag-Gag bill,” similar efforts in other states have also soured because it is no more than a Catch-22 trick to protect those who abuse animals, ... (click for more)

Ooltewah Hires Massey To Take Over Softball Program

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – While the prep athletic spotlight is on Spring Fling, Ooltewah High School managed to make news Thursday afternoon. Jon Massey, who formerly played and coached baseball at Ooltewah High School, has been hired as the Lady Owls’ new softball coach. Massey, who turns 49 next month, replaces veteran Norma Nelson, who was fired on May 14 after 20 years ... (click for more)

Decatur County Routs Silverdale, 18-1, To Set Up Class A Do-Or-Die Game

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The three-time defending state champion isn’t ready to give up its Class A baseball dynasty. The Decatur County Riverside Panthers unleashed a devastating 13-hit attack, led by Alex Whitwell’s 5-for-5 performance that included five RBIs, scored eight runs in the second inning and crushed Silverdale Baptist Academy, 18-1, Thursday at Middle Tennessee Christian’s ... (click for more)