AT&T is looking to build new fiber optic networks for “ultra-fast” broadband service in Atlanta and dozens of other cities.
AT&T’s new service, for consumers and businesses, is called AT&T U-Verse with GigaPower, the company announced Monday. Customers will see Internet download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, about 100 times faster than what U.S. consumers typically get with broadband. U-Verse TV is also provided via the service.
The move comes as emerging competitor Google seeks to expand 2-year-old Google Fiber, a 1-gigabit-per-second service in Kansas City. Earlier this year, Google Fiber sought information from Atlanta and eight nearby cities to help it determine whether to add Google Fiber service.
AT&T has said its plans for GigaPower are not in response to Google’s efforts, but rather that higher speeds will enable people to connect more devices to home networks and improve video quality.
Beth Shiroishi, president of AT&T Georgia, said the state is at the top of the list of those where investment in ultra-fast fiber optic networks makes sense.
AT&T, however, will make its decision on which areas to enter based on local regulations. In metro Atlanta, the company is considering adding GigaPower in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Decatur, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Marietta, Newnan, Norcross, and Woodstock.
Shiroishi said the state and local leaders have worked to create a regulatory environment “that allows us to consider bringing our biggest projects to Georgia.”
“We’re also interested in streamlined policies around permitting and inspection to prevent delays and increased costs for broadband deployment,” she said.
GigaPower is already available in Austin, Tex. - where Google Fiber also is available - and will be delivered in Dallas. AT&T is also in advanced talks Raleigh-Durham and Winston-Salem, N.C.
AT&T did not say how much the service would cost, but both GigaPower and Google Fiber broadband service in Austin is $70 a month. The AT&T price is $120 when bundled with TV service.
AT&T said it will work with local leaders in the proposed markets to discuss ways to accelerate availability of fiber broadband in their communities.
