AT&T Announces $750 Million Investment to Bring Florida Consumers New Video Services, Choice and Competition

As a direct result of a new state law that encourages statewide video competition, AT&T Inc. has announced plans to invest approximately $750 million during the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies to bring new services, including cutting-edge television, to Florida consumers.

These upgrades are a direct result of House Bill 529 being passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law in May by Gov. Charlie Crist. "We look forward to bringing Florida consumers not only choice and competition but also advanced video, voice and Internet service technology," said Marshall Criser, president, AT&T Florida. "We especially commend Governor Crist, Representathttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifive Trey Traviesa, state Senator Mike Bennett and all of the members of the Florida Legislature for their
vision."

The Consumer Choice Act of 2007, HB 529, brings a new world of communications and entertainment for consumers. HB 529 will also encourage investment in next-generation broadband network infrastructure and will help bring new technology and jobs to Florida. According to the Internet Innovation Alliance, increased competition in the video market would result in increased investment across the industry and spur new entrants, contractors, equipment- makers, manufacturers and service-providers to
create nearly 7,000 jobs in Florida.

The Consumer Choice Act was vigorously supported by consumer groups, business groups and tens of thousands of citizens throughout the state.

AT&T's infrastructure and investment will include a new world of communications and entertainment through AT&T U-verse(SM) service. AT&T is the only major U.S. provider to offer a 100 percent Internet Protocol (IP)-based television service, and that makes AT&T U-verse TV one of the most robust and feature-rich services available today. The planned network investment in Florida by AT&T companies does not change AT&T's capital expenditure guidance for 2007 and 2008. AT&T is in the process of updating its U-verse deployment plans for the Southeast region and expects to provide an update later this year.