Business & Tech

Cable competition comes to Smyrna

AT&T U-verse announces Thursday that area residents have a new choice for their television and communications services.

About a year ago, Charter Communications launched a “Let It All In’’ ad campaign and now in Smyrna, AT&T U-verse TV is saying, don’t mind if we do.

Cobb County does not grant exclusive cable franchises, but there has been little interest in the cable industry in competing for customers on the same street. Charter has been the sole choice for many area residents, but that’s changing now.

More people in Smyrna now have a new choice for their television and communications services with Thursday’s announcement of AT&T U-verse expanding into the area.  It continues the company’s ongoing growth across the Atlanta area, where AT&T U-verse first launched in early 2008.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“We are thrilled to offer this innovative video choice to more Cobb County customers,’’ said Don Barbour, regional director-external affairs, AT&T Georgia. “Local residents have asked for more choices in television service and today we’re delivering.”

AT&T U-verse was designed to rival cable in virtually every facet, offering bundles of services that include digital TV, high-speed internet and phone.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

According to the company, AT&T U-verse added more TV subscribers in the first quarter of 2011 than any of the major TV providers and is the fastest growing TV provider in the country, with more TV subscribers added than any of the major TV providers reported over the last nine quarters combined.

AT&T U-verse is being expanded in Georgia thanks to legislation supported by the Georgia General Assembly. The Consumer Choice for Television Act provides an environment that encourages new video providers, such as AT&T Georgia, to invest in Georgia to compete against incumbent cable providers.

“Cable has been the only game in town for too long, and we’re excited to continue the expansion across Marietta, Smyrna and surrounding areas,” said Jim McHargue, director of sales, AT&T Georgia.

To learn more about AT&T U-verse and the options it provides, see here.

“I will definitely look into,’’ said Charter customer James Barlow outside the on Thursday. “I wouldn’t say I’m dissatisfied with what I’m getting from Charter, but it’s nice to know that they are more options.’’


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Smyrna-Vinings