Image by AT&T The message of this PR shot? "Not only will U-Verse make your family happy, but look even mom can use it!"

AT&T U-verse has finally made its way down from Columbia to lil' ol' Charleston and, in a nutshell, is offering a competing package to what you might get from other cable companies. 

But instead of relying on standard cable to pipe some of its programming into your home, the service is all Internet based to deliver both television, Internet access, and phone service. 

Pricing for the various packages is about on par with competitors and would likely appeal to those who enjoy more tech oriented products. 

And I'll point you to their site to learn more and stop there for fear of sounding too much like an ad. Though I will say that using their online signup I was having some trouble as the system said it "wasn't yet available in my area" so you may need to actually call them until they get the kinks smoothed out.

The full press release is below for the curious, oh and The Post and Courier has a press-releasy brief. 

---

AT&T U-verse Arrives in Charleston

Charleston Customers Get New TV Service That Delivers Advanced DVR, Better Features and Great Value

Charleston residents now have a new choice for their television and communications services powered by the most advanced technology. AT&T* today announced the launch of AT&T U-verse® TV, AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet and AT&T U-verse Voice services in parts of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchestercounties; including the cities of Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, Kiawah andHanahan.

"Competition on the field, in politics, and in business is healthy. And competition in business is good for consumers," said Rep.Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives.  "When we as lawmakers establish public policies that promote free market competition, jobs and business investment, everyone wins.  Today's announcement is an example of those ideals in action."

AT&T U-verse services, which are all delivered over AT&T's advanced Internet Protocol (IP) network, offer a new alternative to cable and an unmatched experience for customers. AT&T U-verse brings together your TV, broadband, home phone and AT&T wireless services – all on one bill – with unique features that provide a new level of integration, convenience and control.

"My goal is to help increase investment in South Carolina and grow jobs here.  One way we do that is by promoting private sector investment in new technologies," said Sen. Glenn McConnell, President Pro Tempore of the S.C. Senate.  "The deployment of this video technology here is resulting in more competition in the marketplace and more choices for consumers in the Lowcountry."

In 2006, the General Assembly passed video franchising legislation enabling local governments to consent to AT&T's bringing this exciting U-verse service to their citizens.  As a result, AT&T has made significant investments in South Carolina in order to provide a competitive alternative to incumbent cable providers.

"Cable has been the only game in town for too long, and we're excited to change that today in Charleston," said Alison Hall, vice president and general manager, AT&T North and South Carolina. "We know Charleston customers want a better choice to break free from cable, and AT&T U-verse is the answer. And we'll continue to make U-verse TV even better for customers with regular upgrades and new cool applications that enhance your TV experience."

"Today's expansion of AT&T U-verse reflects our commitment to make the investments necessary to bring consumers acrossCharleston a new era of true video competition," said Pamela Lackey, AT&T South Carolina president. "We are thrilled to offer this innovative video choice to Charleston customers. Local residents have asked for more choices in television service and today we're delivering."

More Choice, Advanced Features

AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and application-rich services available today, with advanced capabilities that customers don't get from other providers.

Where AT&T U-verse services are available, local U-verse TV customers can enjoy numerous features and applications, including the ability to manage your recordings, and download and watch hit TV shows from your qualifying smartphone with U-verse Mobile; the freedom to manage and playback your recorded programs from a single DVR on any U-verse connected TV in the house with Total Home DVR; the ability to choose and watch up to four of your favorite channels at one time with the exclusive My Multiview app; an extensive High Definition (HD) channel lineup with access to more than 130 HD channels; the ability to program DVR recordings from your Web-connected mobile phone or PC; personalized, on-screen weather, sports, traffic and stock information via AT&T U-bar; the ability to check the current weather conditions and forecasts in any U.S. city with Weather On Demand; and more.

With AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet services, every AT&T U-verse customer or small business broadband user can enjoy faster available speeds. Packages include a range of speeds, with the fastest downstream speeds up to 24 Mbps. All AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet packages include wireless home or office networking at no extra cost, and access to the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi network included in their plan at no extra charge.

AT&T U-verse Voice is a managed IP-based service that is delivered over the AT&T's fiber-rich network. This allows U-verse Voice customers to enjoy great sound quality and reliability, as well as unmatched calling features that combine with your AT&T U-verse TV, broadband and wireless services. Customers benefit from a single, combined voice mailbox for AT&T U-verse Voice and AT&T wireless messages; U-verse Central, an online portal to manage your call preferences and settings from any PC; an online voice mailbox; the ability to view your call logs from your PC or your recent incoming calls on your TV screen; the ability to initiate a call from your PC or TV using Click to Call; and more. All U-verse Voice customers have 911 service.

AT&T U-verse offers multiple combinations of TV, Internet and Voice packages to customize your experience. Standard professional installation is included, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additional promotional offers are available to qualifying customers who bundle U-verse Internet or U-verse Voice service.

For additional information on AT&T U-verse – or to find out if it's available in your area – visit www.att.com/u-verse, call 800-ATT-2020 or visit the following AT&T South Carolina retail locations:

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to www.att.com/uverse to see if you qualify.

AT&T U-verse TV: Residential customers only. Prices, programming and offers subject to change without notice. A one-time TV service activation fee of $29 applies. THDVR: Total Home DVR functionality is available on up to 8 TVs, and requires a receiver for each additional TV at $7/mo.  HD: Access to HD service requires $10/mo and HD Premium Tier available for an additional$5/mo.  U-bar: Access to HD service requires $10/mo and HD Premium Tier available for an additional $5/mo.  My Multiview:  Channels/content available for viewing in Multiview are based on TV package and additional programming purchased. A limited number of HD channels is not supported for display within My Multiview.  U-verse Mobile: Download and watch capability available for select shows and requires qualifying smartphone, U300 or higher TV plan, and Wi-Fi connection. U-bar:AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet Account required. Standard Installation Included with Most Packages: Offer ends 11/6/10.  Credit qualified customers only. Installation not included with U-basic package.   30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Offer ends 11/6/10. Must cancel all AT&T U-verse services within 30 days from service activation. Adjustment provided for initial installation charges and one month service charges, if paid. Customer is responsible for all additional charges including but not limited to On Demand, Pay Per View, international calls, other pay-per-use features and non-returned equipment charges. Other conditions and restrictions may apply to all offers. Offers may be modified or discontinued at anytime without notice. AT&T employees or retirees not eligible for promotional offers.

AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet: Internet speed claim(s) represent maximum downstream and/or upstream speed capabilities. Speeds may vary and are not guaranteed.  Many factors can affect actual speeds including the use of other U-verse services. Credit and other restrictions apply.  Purchase of U-verse TV required to order AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet. A $3monthly High Speed Internet equipment fee will apply. Channel counts include optional channels available in plan; Wireless networking may require adapter purchased separately; Fiber-optics apply to part or all of the network depending on your location. Other Charges: Taxes, city video cost recovery fees, and other fees extra. No charge for standard professional installation for new AT&T U-verse customers ordering qualifying U-verse TV packages.

AT&T U-verse Voice: Prices subject to change. Residential customers only. Installation, taxes, fees, and other charges may apply. International calls billed at additional per-minute rates; higher rates may apply for calls terminating on mobile phones or other wireless devices. U-verse Voice, including 911 dialing, will not function during a power outage without battery backup power. Non-returned equipment charges will apply if equipment is not returned within required timeframe upon disconnect of services. Service is not portable; will function only in your home. May be incompatible with monitored home alarms and medical monitoring systems. Refer to Learn More pages for U-verse Voice at http://www.uverse.att.com for more information on 911, battery backup, and home alarms. Acceptance of Terms of Service and 911 Acknowledgement required. Credit and other restrictions apply.  AT&T U-verse Messaging may not be fully compatible with all AT&T wireless voice mail systems.  Caller ID and Call Waiting might not work simultaneously with AT&T U-verse Voice.

AT&T U-verse services are provided by AT&T local telephone companies. Wireless phone with Internet access required and standard data charges may apply.

Wi-Fi: Largest claim based on company-branded and -operated hotspots. Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for additional services, details and locations.