AT&T Plugs Wireless As Part Of U-Verse TV Bundle

AT&T on Monday launched a "buy two, get one free" bundle that offers U-verse TV subscribers, who get either wireless service or unlimited wireline phone service, six months of free digital subscriber line Internet service.

The deal is available to new customers U-verse TV with the U200 programming package or above who subscribe to either wireless service (Nation 450 plan or above) or U-verse Voice Unlimited. Eligible consumers will receive U-verse High Speed Internet Pro, which offers up to 3 Mbps downstream, free for six months, which AT&T said is a $30 monthly discount for a total savings of $180.

The offer is available now in U-verse markets in the Midwest -- covering Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio -- and AT&T said it will launch the bundle in all U-verse markets in the coming weeks. The promotion is scheduled to be available until March 20, 2010.

"With the choice to bundle wireless voice, this is an offer that cable can't match," said Joey Schultz, vice president of wireline consumer marketing for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, in a statement.AT&T signaled plans to weave wireless into wired bundles last fall, when it reorganized into four market-focused divisions -- consumer, business, technology operations and diversified businesses -- and put Ralph de la Vega, head of its wireless business unit, in charge of the consumer group.

As of June 30, AT&T had 1.6 million U-verse TV customers in 19 states. More than 75% of U-verse TV customers have a triple- or quad-play and more than 65% of new U-verse TV customers bundle U-verse Voice, according to the telco.

Also Monday, with the kickoff to the fall football season, AT&T announced the availability of College Football Extras, a video-on-demand section, featuring content from several college football programs, including all Big Ten Conference teams, Georgia Tech, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, University of Southern California and University of Texas. College Football Extras will offer 2008 season highlights, a 2009 season preview, and more content throughout the season from each university.

In addition, AT&T launched a new Classic Sports Movies VOD section with titles ranging from $2 to $6 per rental, and highlighted the return of the Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football application, which allows subscribers to set up their fantasy league and team preferences online and then track their stats on U-verse TV app.