Technology

AT&T expands U-verse to Lafayette

by Leslie Turk

Telecom company introduces new competition in TV, high-speed Internet and voice services.

As part of its Project Velocity IP, AT&T is making TV and high-speed Internet service more competitive in Lafayette by launching its U-verse triple play (TV, high speed Internet and voice).

In a prepared release, AT&T says Project Velocity IP significantly expands and enhances the company's IP and mobile data networks. AT&T U-verse will continue rolling out to additional local cities and neighborhoods in upcoming months, and Project VIP will extend the AT&T U-verse IP network to about 57 million customer locations in its service areas by the end of 2015.

AT&T U-verse TV is all digital and uses AT&T's network. This means Lafayette-area customers will have the freedom to watch TV shows from almost anywhere. AT&T U-verse was named the 2014 Video Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan, an award based on excellence in customer value, innovation and growth.

U-verse, according to AT&T, is the first IP-based TV service in the U.S.

"The great thing about U-verse is that it makes TV, Internet and voice services work together in harmony," Rich Guidotti, AT&T Gulf States vice president and general manager, said in the release. "We're honored to bring our innovative services to Lafayette area customers. Local residents have asked for more TV service choices, and today we're delivering."

Among U-verse's features:

IP-based TV service has many advantages over older, cable-based technologies. It has the ability to integrate services and adapt to consumer demands. AT&T U-verse offers a fully-integrated wireless receiver. Customers can watch TV in almost any room in the home, even where there's no TV outlet.

Where AT&T U-verse services are available, U-verse TV customers can enjoy many features and applications. They include the ability to watch hit TV shows on qualifying mobile devices and online; manage DVR recordings remotely; the ability to choose and watch four of their favorite channels at once with My Multiview; an extensive HD channel and On Demand lineup; and the ability to access popular social networks on their TV screen.

AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet offers many speed options and includes wireless home networking capability for all Internet customers. When customers sign up for U-verse High Speed Internet, they have access to thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at no extra charge.

AT&T U-verse Voice is an advanced digital home phone service delivered over AT&T's IP network. Customers get great sound quality and clarity, and unmatched calling features that work with U-verse TV. When bundling their services, U-verse customers can choose the services in their bundle and bundle U-verse Voice service with TV, Internet and AT&T wireless services for more savings.

For additional information on AT&T U-verse, including qualifying devices, plans/fees and limitations, visit www.att.com/u-verse.