AT&T rolls out U-verse in Springfield

AT&T is launching its U-verse television service today in Springfield to go head-to-head with Mediacom cable and satellite TV services.

Officials hope to have AT&T U-verse in 30 million homes by 2011.

AT&T is billing U-verse television, which first launched in San Antonio, Texas, in 2006, as an alternative to cable. The service is delivered over the company’s Internet Protocol network, giving viewers more flexibility and control, said Kris Ryan, general manager of home solutions in AT&T’s greater Midwest region.

“You can pause your show on one television and pick up where you left off in another room,” he said, noting that the DVR included in most television packages allows viewers to record up to four programs at a time and play back from any television in the house.

To provide support for the new service, AT&T is in the process of adding 20 installation technician jobs, Ryan said.

Introductory promotion bundles offers U-verse television, high-speed Internet and U-voice, a home phone service that differs from traditional landline phone service because it travels through the IP network, starting at $99.

The service is available in Springfield, Republic, Nixa, Battlefield and parts of Fremont Hills, according to Ryan.

Read more about AT&T U-verse in SBJ's March 29 issue.