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from: Telephony Online

AT&T says ‘no’ to Conn. cable franchise
By Carol Wilson
Oct 18, 2007 10:05 AM

AT&T is fully prepared to cut off service to more than 7000 U-verse customers in Connecticut and stop all video service in that state rather than file for a statewide cable license. The company, known for tough stands on the franchise issue, is taking its toughest stand to date, staring down consumer groups and a state attorney general determined to make AT&T accept tougher terms for the right to offer video service.

"Which side are you on boys, which side are you on?" A good old labor song, the CWA would do well to learn it.

from: CNN

Union Joins AT&T To Fight Connecticut Cable Decision

October 18, 2007: 12:11 PM EST

HARTFORD (AP)--An AT&T union joined the telecommunications giant this week to fight a state order that AT&T Inc. (T) needs a cable television license for its Internet-based TV service in Connecticut.

from: LA Times

Time Warner customers misled by AT&T ad
October 17 2007

David Lazarus:
Consumer Confidential

An ad from AT&T that ran the other day in these pages and elsewhere warned that some Time Warner Cable customers are in danger of losing phone service as the cable giant makes some technical changes.

Note: We're curious how soon Verizon will start running fiber to housing projects and other low income areas of Manhattan and the outer boroughs.

from: Silicon Alley Insider

Rich New Yorkers To Get Faster Web

Dan Frommer | October 17, 2007 4:30 PM

As if living in one of Donald Trump's buildings isn't its own reward, residents of two of The Donald's towers can soon claim the fastest Internet access on the block. Verizon (VZ) is installing its fiber-optic "FiOS" service in The Trump World Tower at United Nations Plaza and Trump Park Avenue. No FiOS TV yet, though: the service won't be available in New York City for months -- or longer -- while the telco applies for a cable franchise license.

from: Legal Newsline

Blumenthal: AT&T wasting its time on litigation

by John O'Brien

HARTFORD, Conn. - Despite a recent federal court ruling, AT&T still refuses to apply for a cable license in Connecticut and state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal refuses to let the company get away with it.

from: Connecticut Post

AT&T suit challenges Blumenthal
10/16/2007 11:59:43 PM EDT

HARTFORD — Attorney General Richard Blumenthal blasted AT&T's Tuesday court filing challenging the latest order by Connecticut regulators that would force the telecom giant to get a cable franchise license for its U-Verse TV service.

DPUC Decision, October 15, 2007, Docket No. 07-10-04

Excerpt

ORDERS

AT&T shall apply for a cable franchise pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. §16-331 et. seq. no later than December 31, 2007.

AT&T may continue to serve its existing video subscribers until such time as the Department rules upon an application for cable franchise submitted pursuant to Order No. 1.

AT&T shall cease and desist from marketing to or contracting with any additional customers for its cable programming operations in the State of Connecticut until such time as AT&T has obtained a duly authorized cable franchise pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. §16-331 et. seq.

from: Ars Technica

AT&T threatens to take its ball and go home over Connecticut TV rules

By Nate Anderson | Published: October 16, 2007 - 01:11PM CT

Despite the presence of a new Connecticut law setting up statewide video franchises for new entrants, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) yesterday rejected AT&T's bid for such a license. AT&T, which refuses to take out traditional video franchises with local communities (as cable companies have done across the country) is now threatening to pull its U-Verse out of Connecticut, fire 300 Connecticut workers, and redirect over $300 million of investment money to nearby states.

from: Stamford Advocate

Regulators order AT&T to apply for cable TV license for 'U-verse'

Associated Press
October 15, 2007

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- State utility regulators on Monday ordered AT&T to get a cable television license for the Internet protocol-based TV service it is currently providing in Connecticut.

from: Hartford Business

AT&T, State In Web TV Tangle Can company ignore a federal court ruling?