Governor, AT&T Announce $335 Million Investment in Missouri to Bring New Video Services, Expand DSL to Consumers
Posted on: Tuesday, 1 May 2007, 12:00 CDT
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to state legislation that increases video competition, Gov. Matt Blunt and AT&T Missouri officials announced today that AT&T plans to invest approximately $335 million over the next three years in fiber network upgrades and other new technology to bring cutting-edge video and Internet services to Missouri.
The new technology upgrades will support high speed Internet access, Internet Protocol (IP)-based video and, in the future, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. They are a direct result of Senate Bill 284, passed by the Missouri Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Blunt March 22.
Under the landmark investment, AT&T will also add broadband technology to its remaining 42 central offices in Missouri -- mainly in rural areas -- that are currently without DSL capability. When that process is completed, all 213 switching offices statewide will be DSL-ready, bringing access to high speed Internet service to communities such as Paynesville, Missouri with a population 91.
"We look forward to bringing residents the most advanced technology available in video, voice and Internet services. Consumers will see a new world of communications and entertainment. We commend Gov. Blunt and the General Assembly for making it possible," said Cindy Brinkley, president-AT&T Missouri.
SB 284 allows companies that want to provide competitive video services to get a state-issued franchise rather than negotiate with individual municipalities, a process that could take years to complete.
Gov. Blunt, who earlier called for video legislation in his State of the State address, thanked legislators for setting the right environment for competitive choices, new investments in advanced broadband services and new benefits for consumers across the state.
"This pro-consumer legislation will provide Missourians with greater choice and all the benefits of that competition. I commend Sen. Griesheimer for his leadership on this issue," said Blunt. "It will expand Internet access for Missourians while changing the way people watch television, surf the Internet and use the phone."
"For many rural communities, this legislation was long overdue, and I was pleased to sign it into law. I believe our people will see real benefits with this legislation, and Missouri will be viewed as a leader in setting forward- thinking telecommunications policy," said Blunt.
State Sen. John Griesheimer, sponsor of SB 284, added that the legislation was the culmination of months of discussions with various parties, including the telecommunications and cable industries, municipalities and consumer groups. "But consumers are the big winners in all of this. Good public policy results in new investment, community growth and economic development opportunities," he said.
Many of the towns on the list to get DSL have few options for broadband service today.
"High speed Internet access is more than a convenience. It is a driving force for business and can be a real boost to our economy. The introduction of DSL will be great for our town," said Max Clark, Mayor of Holcomb, Missouri, one of the 42 communities scheduled to receive DSL capability.
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. 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/.
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AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Kerry Hibbs of AT&T Inc., +1-512-870-2005, cell,+1-214-679-5482, khibbs@att.com
Web site: http://www.att.com/
Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall
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