MAY 31, 2007 -- AT&T Inc. (search for AT&T) says it plans to invest approximately $500 million over the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment, and Internet-based technologies to bring new services to Georgia consumers, including television.
The carrier said its announcement was a direct result of the passage of House Bill 227, the Consumer Choice for Television Act, in the General Assembly and its subsequent signing by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
HB 227 allows companies that want to provide competitive video services to get a state-issued franchise rather than negotiate with individual municipalities.
In part, the new technology upgrades will support IP-based television, high-speed Internet access and, in the future, voice over IP services.
"We commend the General Assembly and Governor Perdue in their efforts to ensure that Georgia leads the Southeast in bringing video competition to consumers," said Sylvia Anderson, president-AT&T Georgia. "We look forward to delivering the most advanced technology available in television, voice, and Internet services to Georgia. Consumers will see a new world of communications and entertainment."
"This legislation will benefit consumers in Georgia and provide them with greater choice in video services," said Gov. Perdue. "I'm pleased that Georgia will lead the way in bringing competition and investment to the state."
"There is no doubt that consumers are the big winners today," stated State Rep. Jeff Lewis, chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee and primary sponsor of HB 227. "This legislation will bring competition to Georgia and deliver better customer service and lower prices. As AT&T's commitment today shows, it also results in new investment to our communities."
"Georgians deserve the benefits of competition," said state Sen. David Shafer, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. "The investment by AT&T shows that eliminating the barriers to competition brings choice to consumers and investment to our state."
AT&T's infrastructure and investment will include its U-verse service. AT&T U-verse service is currently available in 20 markets across seven states, with additional market launches planned for the coming months.
The planned network investment by AT&T companies in Georgia does not change AT&T's capital expenditure guidance for 2007 and 2008. AT&T is in the process of updating its U-verse network build plans for the Southeast region and plans to provide an update later this year.
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