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AT&T Aims Its PR Guns At Connecticut
Fires up unions, customers in legal skirmish

A federal judge says AT&T's U-Verse IPTV service is a cable service. AT&T says it's not, and therefore isn't subject to the same consumer protection and build-out rules as cable operators. Unless AT&T is given what they want, the company says they'll scrap U-Verse plans in Connecticut. The State Attorney General says the company is wasting time and "flagrantly breaking the law" in order to dodge consumer protections.

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Unions this week jumped into the fight in support of AT&T, after AT&T informed them they could lay off 1,300 employees if the court ruling stands. AT&T is also enlisting the aid of their customers, sending them this e-mail claiming the State "is saying no to competition, consumer choice and progress."
quote:
Your choice and control is in jeopardy because the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) issued a ruling affecting AT&T's ability to continue providing our U-Verse service in Connecticut. The DPUC ruling says, in effect, that AT&T is not entitled to be a new video competitor under a new law designed to bring much needed video competition to the state. If this decision stands, the DPUC will have taken away from consumers the best alternative to cable TV.
Technically, that's misleading, given that AT&T could easily offer service under existing rules -- they simply don't like the financial requirement of mandated build-outs to ensure even service coverage. AT&T has also created this website that tells consumers that "interest groups and individuals supporting the incumbent cable companies" are trying to eliminate the consumer's right to choose.

Most recommended from 67 comments


Rick5
Premium Member
join:2001-02-06

3 recommendations

Rick5

Premium Member

Folks..

this company is beyond belief in the way they operate.

The AG is right in what he's doing. The Federal court has spoken..and they're right as well.

This company simply does not know how to comply with the law.

Or doesn't want to.

The cable TV franchise laws say this.
If you operate a one way video service..you need to be licensed. This has never been about HOW the video is delivered..but what the service is in that regard.

There is no way..no how..AT&T and it's lawyers didn't know that was the law. And that they needed to comply.

Instead..they set out on a course of just doing it anyway..MEANWHILE..they pushed this statewide video law through..and AFTER they got shot down by the Federal court..turned to that instead.

Now that the DPUC has ruled that that dog just won't hunt..

they're crying out with all their might. We're LEAVING!
Call the COPS! round up the customers!

Well..guess what folks? We're surrounded by Verizon fios..OOL..and the 30Mb powerboost enabled Comcast service I currently received.

Can anyone say..who cares about your Uverse CRAP AT&T?

Your service is CRAP...with a capital C.

CRAP ...CRAP...CRAP.

In the face of what is happening here in New England.

You have been told by MANY here at BBR that you'd better get with the verizon program if you want to survive.
And that meant get licensed..and start the fiber rollout.

But no..you just don't listen to that advice either.

Well...now..the courts have spoken. And the AG is speaking.
And the DPUC has spoken.

Get back on the horse you rode in on..and get the he** out of here.

We just don't need you.