Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General's Statement On Decision Enabling AT&T To Provide U-Verse Without Cable Franchise

October 31, 2007

"I welcome some finality to the legal battle so that a competitive service can be provided to cable consumers as soon as possible - as widely and broadly as possible.

"Our hope is that AT&T fulfills its promise and potential to enable real competition and consumer benefits - not just to a select few, but to as many consumers feasible, as I have said repeatedly.

"While we are reviewing the judge's ruling, our view at this point is that there should be no appeal. We may differ on legal issues, but we share the goal of providing cable consumers with this new service so they hopefully have the benefits of lower prices and better service. Continued legal combat ill serves that common objective.

"Even as new facilities are installed and new customers enlisted, there may be a need to refine the regulatory process through legislative action so as to assure a level playing field for all potential competitors. This question perhaps is for another day in the new year when the legislature reconvenes. "