AT&T files application for statewide video services franchise

Company also announces plans to invest $400 million in infrastructure

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

With the battle over video franchising in the legislature done, AT&T announced today that it has filed an application with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to begin providing video service in Tennessee. Today was the first today that companies could apply for a statewide franchise.

The company (Ticker: T) said that, as a direct result of a new state law regarding statewide video competition, it wants to offer video services across the state. Additionally, it plans to invest about $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.

"The Legislature and the governor have created a competitive environment for video services, and consumers are the real winners," said Gregg Morton, president of 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."

"We look forward to bringing Tennesseans not only choice and competition but also advanced video, voice and Internet service technology," said Morton. "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."