High Speed Internet Service Providers Reviewed

Bloomberg Business Week Reported on Monday that AT&T Inc, which owns and operates AT&T Internet service, AT&T U-verse and the largest telephone company in the United States, notified customers that there was a recent effort by hackers to breech online security in an attempt to collect subscriber account information. “We detected a systematic and organized effort to gain information about a number of different AT&T subscriber accounts — including yours,” the company advised customers in a recent e-mail. “We don’t believe the perpetrators of the attack gained access, nor did they obtain any information about your account.” Company officials reported that the hacking attempt employed some type of auto-script technology aimed at finding out if AT&T phone numbers are connected to AT&T online accounts. A company spokesman said that less than 1% of the company’s customers were affected.

Semillitas, a 24 hour animation channel, is now available on Verizon FiOS TV.  The show, which targets Hispanic pre-schoolers is part of the La Conexion package which offers over 155 channels — eighteen in high definition. The show is designed to preserve Hispanic language and roots, an important goal of most Latino parents.  These same parents recognize that TV watching is an essential way of transmitting a cultural identity. Semillitas focuses on young children from ages 1 to 5. According to the recent Census, Hispanics are the demographic group most responsible for the growth of the American population.  Hispanic children, aged five years or younger, currently make up 27% of that total age group inside the U.S. That figure jumps to over 50% in Southwestern markets like Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico.

AT&T has recently announced the release of their Uverse IP platform.  This new application will allow customers to connect their ATT Uverse TV to their high speed Internet and to a qualifying smartphone or tablet. Doing so will allow customers to leverage different applications which will bring together real-time TV programming with other social features. Jeff Weber, AT&T VP of Mobility & Consumer Markets, was quoted as saying, “Our customers want their TV viewing to have a social nature, but they don’t want to be distracted from the show on their TV screen. They want a choice of applications for their smartphones or tablets that will work with their TV, thus enhancing their viewing experience. These new applications will let our customers share details and interact with others regarding the programs they are viewing. And they will be able to do this on devices they are holding in their hands or are sitting right next to them on the coffee table.”

From dangerous hurricanes to devastating earthquakes, the area surrounding the nation’s capital has recently been reminded of the fact that disasters can happen virtually without notice. AT&T has just completed a study which indicates that approximately 89% of local companies have a plan to aid them in maintaining operations if, and when, a disaster strikes. Recognizing the need to prepare ahead of time for a crisis, AT&T is undergoing a Network Disaster Recovery simulation in Maryland during the October 13 through 19. These exercises, held many times each year, recreate the loss of a full network office and therefore refine, test and strengthen the company’s disaster recovery & business continuity services in an effort to minimize network downtime. “More than ever before, communities must to be ready for natural or manmade disasters, and have effective plans in place to respond,” said the president of AT&T Mid-Atlantic Division, Michael Schweder. “These types of exercises will ensure that AT&T Internet service is prepared for a disaster.  We hope the organizations and businesses in the D.C. metropolitan area also continue to realize the importance of investing in crisis preparation.”

Were you aware that the Internet is being used to get staff community outreach?  Many churches are now using Internet programs to reach people who would like to volunteer to help others in need.  One minister in Texas has actually developed software that will help pastors who are striving to match volunteers to services that are needed in the community. The program can be used on church websites to help members learn about others with needs.  He said that since he has started using the program that it has been very effective in mobilizing church members to recognize that their are sick are elderly in their congregation that need assistance. He mentioned that many in his congregation had just signed up for ATT Uverse, a high-speed Internet service that was recently introduced in the area, and that this has put more congregation members online, which has also been helfpul.

Last week we ran across a comment that was posted on an Internet related blog.  The reader just tried AT&T Internet service by way of their new program AT&T Uverse.  He said it first came to their area a while back, but it was more expensive than his current bill from his cable company.  After receiving a call at his door by an AT&T account manager, however, he said he was offered the Fairfield County Discount. The deal offered him the U200 package with more channels than he got on his current cable system, a higher Internet speed, free in-home wireless, and free DVR service.  The price was good for one year with an option to renew for another year.  This individual said that the installation went without a hitch and he was kept advised every step of the way what to expect and when to expect it.  He said everything works just as advertised.  He was particularly enamored with the online channel guide because it is searchable.  He also said managing his DVR from online is a real plus!

According to a report last week by Todd Spangler of MultiCity News, AT&T Uverse has completed the necessary infrastructure and is now available to more than 500,000 homes in the greater Sacramento area.  Uverse includes AT&T Internet service, digital television and telephone service — the triple play.  According to sources, the new Uverse features a lineup of over one hundred and seven High Definition channels.  It also features DVR functions that are available from any room in the house.  The DVR offers Uverse customers the ability to record up to four different programs at one time using a feature called the UVerse Multiview Mosaic application.

Terry Stenzel, AT&T VP & General Manager for Northern California and Nevada had this to say:  “For far too long cable was the only game in town.  We are really excited about the opportunity we are giving to the folks who live in the Sacramento area to try UVerse.”  U-verse includes fiber optic technology and computer networking to bring advanced digital TV, high-speed Internet, and digital phone service together as a fully integrated experience.  AT&T Uverse was first offered in the Sacramento area three years ago and has grown to its present size.

AT&T announced today their plans regarding the future of their line of 4G BlackBerry smartphones including the new 4G Blackberry Torch 9810 which is schedule for introduction this month.  AT&T’s lineup of new Blackberries will be able to reach nearly four times the network speed of the previous models. Customers will be able to talk and surf even faster on the nation’s swiftest mobile network.  AT&T Internet service is one of the premiere providers in the nation and now, exclusive to AT&T customers, the 4G Blackberry Torch 9810 will allow high performance hardware features that will not only deliver higher connection speeds but an enhanced multimedia experience, too.

The reason is that the new smartphones boast significant improvements in hardware.  These improvements include a 1.2GHz processor, five megapixel cameras that include HD 720p video recording, 8 gigs of storage and a 3.2 inch high resolution display that is powered by BlackBerry Liquid Graphics technology.  The result is an unbelievably responsive, smooth and fast visual experience. “BlackBerry customers are passionate about their smartphones – and they know to come to AT&T for the best choice,” said Jeff Bradley, AT&T Senior VP of Mobility and Consumer Markets. “From being the first carrier to offer the BlackBerry solution in 1999 to the broadest lineup of 4G-capable BlackBerry smartphones this year, we’ll continue to offer our customers the leading BlackBerry portfolio in the U.S.”

AT&T internet service is among the most dependable in the nation.  Whether you are seeking a high speed DSL connection or the ultra high speed Uverse, you will find that AT&T has a dependable network, great customer service, and affordable pricing.  Right now, you’ll find super savings on basic DSL and high speed DSL.  All are offered for $14.99 a month!  The highest speed is 6 mbps and that is $19.99 a month.  There are also some very attractive bundles, and cash back offers.  You will find that these special prices are available online only, and for a limited time.  You can get stand alone internet service, or bundle with phone and HDTV.  You will find that there are few national providers with this quality or these savings.  Find out why AT&T is such a popular choice among internet subscribers, for cost, speed, and legendary dependability.

There has never been a better time to become a new customer of AT&T internet service. There are no term commitments for basic service, which is just $19.95 a month.  If you want higher speed, no problem, AT&T’s got it!  You’ll get a $50 rebate with higher speeds.  Enjoy free wireless at over 17,000 wi-fi hot spots, and a free wireless modem with select plans.  These offers are available only online, and for a limited time. You can get even faster speeds with AT&T Uverse, but if that is not available, you’ll find that the high speed internet service from AT&T is truly high quality, dependable, and very affordable.

If you look at AT&T Internet Service across the board, you’ll see some big advantages. Take for instance the basic service. For under $20.00 per month, you get medium speed, no term commitments and nationwide dialup access.

AT&T High Speed Internet also offers online security features with most of their plans. When you get to the higher speed category… FREE WiFi and FREE Modem are some of the carrots that are dangled. But, the BIG carrot… the one that jumps out at you, is the CASH BACK offer. That’s right! AT&T will give you cash back in some markets on some higher speed plans. You’ll have to check availability. In my particular market, the cask back offer is for $50.00. See, right there is a big advantage!