Simi used as 'launch pad' for AT&T's new U-verse
Customers getting a new choice for their television programming
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

A BETTER OPTION?- AT&T hopes the capabilities of its U-verse TV system will woo Simi customers away from their current provider.

A recent state law allowing the California Public Utilities Commission to approve statewide video franchises has made it possible for Simi Valley residents to receive digital television as an alternative to cable or satellite.

On May 1, 2007, Simi became one of the first cities in the state to be a launch pad for AT&T's new U-verse TV. It promises higher-speed service than cable with cuttingedge features not offered by other local television providers, said Kieran Nolan, AT&T vice president and general manager for the Los Angeles area.

"When we were looking for areas to roll out in, we were looking for a number of things," Nolan said. "It became very obvious that Simi is one of the cities that really likes choice."

Under the new Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act (AB 2987) passed by the state Assembly last year, AT&T was approved in March to offer their service in Simi and other parts of Ventura County.

"It streamlined the franchise process so that a new entry didn't have to go and negotiate citytocity," said Gordon Diamond, AT&T spokesperson. "It was about making it easier for competitors to enter the market."

The city has already been receiving traditional voice services and DSL as part of a longstanding relationship with AT&T.

"It became a logical choice for us," Nolan said.

Still, AT&T's status as a state franchise doesn't exclude them from having to pay the city's 5 percent franchise fee and adhere to certain city requirements.

"We still have to work with the cities," Diamond said. "Simi Valley has been extremely helpful for us in getting our permits."

AT&T currently offers five packages for the U-verse service. The basic U100 package that starts at $59 per month includes more than 100 channels, one receiver and AT&T Yahoo High Speed Internet Express. For $15 more per month, a customer can rent a DVR capable of recording up to four different shows simultaneously.

U-verse also makes it possible to integrate broadband, mobile and TV service into one interconnected set. The integration allows a user to control his television remotely through an AT&T broadband connection or cellphone.

Also, according to Nolan, Uverse offers more high-definition channels than any other provider.

While U-verse is still limited to certain areas in Simi Valley, AT&T hopes to extend it significantly in the next two to four years.

"As time moves on, we'll continue to roll out new services in new areas," Nolan said.

Meanwhile, Simi Valley residents can find out if U-verse is available in their area by visiting uverse.att.com.