AT&T just launched its new satellite-based broadband Internet access service. The move will enable the telecom giant to deliver a new service option to millions of rural homes and businesses where DSL and cable services are not currently offered. The offering will be delivered through an operating agreement with the satellite high-speed Internet provider WildBlue.
The new satellite-based broadband service, called "AT&T (
News -
Alert) High Speed Internet Access, powered by WildBlue," is currently available to customers in many rural and remote areas across the AT&T's traditional 13-state local residential service area.
“Broadband access to the Internet is no longer a luxury, it is a vital need for most households and businesses today,” said Jim Callaway, senior executive vice president, AT&T Business Development in a statement. “Satellite technology provides a viable broadband option for areas that cannot be effectively served by DSL or cable, enabling AT&T to offer services in areas that have had few or no options previously. Our efforts to expand the reach of broadband will enable many of our rural customers to take full advantage of online business, educational, and communications tools for the very first time.”
AT&T currently offers 7.4 million DSL lines in service and DSL service options available to nearly four out of five customer locations within the company’s 13-state traditional local service area. The new satellite service will provide a new option for as many as 11.5 million additional homes and businesses within this region.
Rural satellite-based broadband subscribers will have three service packages to choose from, with prices ranging from $49.95 to $79.95 monthly, and broadband speed options ranging up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and up to 256 Kbps upstream. AT&T satellite-based broadband customers will have direct access to the public Yahoo! portal, which will be set as customers’ default Internet home page.
Service options will initially be available in most rural AT&T service areas in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas. Services are available today in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Additional availability in these states is expected later this year.
Customers can get additional availability info
online or by calling 1-866-798-4787.
Today's news follows AT&T’s announcement yesterday about being selected to link
a total of 62 schools in El Paso, Texas. The new data networking services contract was awarded to the telecom giant by the Ysleta Independent School District (ISD), which is reportedly the second-largest public school district in the Lone Star State.
The new, five-year contract called for AT&T to deliver a Customized Switched Metro Ethernet (CSME) system that will connect the 62 locations, comprised of seven high schools, 11 middle schools, 36 elementary schools, five special campuses and two pre-K schools.
AT&T Inc.
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