AT&T launches IPTV service in San Antonio

After months of technology testing, AT&T has begun offering television service to 5000 residents in the San Antonio, TX, area. The service, called U-Verse, will be provided free in three-month trials to qualifying AT&T customers.

U-Verse has more than 200 channels and features a special Spanish language package for customers requesting it. The company has said it plans to spend $4.6 billion through 2008 to bring television and high-speed Internet services to almost 19 million homes.

Previously, AT&T's TV service was available to only a handful of consumers in that city, the first of many on the list of U-verse prospects. AT&T expects to offer the service to a total of 15 to 20 markets by the end of the year, CNET News reported.

At least initially, CNET said, AT&T's service, which is based on Internet Protocol technology (IP), will be very similar to what is already offered by cable companies. The starting price for packages is $69 a month and goes up to $124, depending on Internet speeds and whether the customer opts for premium-channel packages.