AT&T will provide ‘switched IP’ or internet protocol-based video services called ‘U-Verse TV’, high speed internet access and voice over IP services. This initiative will push fiber optics further into neighborhoods and provide an additional choice for video and entertainment to local consumers.
The agreement requires that AT&T provide public, educational and government programming (PEG) channels, local, state and federal emergency messaging. It also it preserves North Chicago’s local control over public rights of way.
AT&T plans to invest approximately $4.6 billion in its ‘Project Lightspeed’ initiative, which will deliver broadband and video services to nearly 19 million homes throughout its 13-state residential service territory by year-end 2008. The company recently announced, as part of this initial deployment, that it will make these services available to more than 5.5 million low-income households within the 41 Project Lightspeed markets.
