Free wireless Internet (or Wi-Fi) is usually found in restaurants or hotels. The last place anyone would expect free Wi-Fi is a park. Usually, any type of Internet access in nature requires a device which can be shared among several devices. AT&T is out to change all of these preconceived notions. Currently, the AT&T wireless Internet service is starting out in New York in three prominent park areas.

New York City’s Prospect Park Picnic House and Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park are two parks currently receiving free Wi-Fi from AT&T. The third park as the first group of this innovative service is Manhattan’s Marcus Garvey Park. The plan is to provide free Wi-Fi access to 26 different locations in 20 parks in New York City within five years.

This digital initiative was planned by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg along with the city of New York. The city partnered with AT&T due to their excellent coverage in the area and innovative ideas. Literally millions of people visit Prospect Park alone. Providing free Wi-Fi attracts even more visitors and tourists. It is also the perfect way to give back to the community.

Unlike many other supposedly “free” services that depend upon whether a user is a customer or not, users do not have to be AT&T customers to access the free Wi-Fi. AT&T gains respect from customers and draws in new business by showcasing the quality of their service for free to everyone in the area.

As a benefit to AT&T customers, they can save on data usage by switching to the free Wi-Fi seamlessly. In a way, it is truly giving back to the customers who have helped make AT&T what the company is today. As the largest provider of Wi-Fi hotspots, AT&T is taking major steps towards ensuring the entire country has access to the Internet, wherever they may be.

With most devices, data service is required. Free Wi-Fi spots, like those in New York, enable users to save themselves from overages charges simply for using the Internet as it was meant to be used, for free. Any Wi-Fi enabled device can use these hotspots and enjoy Internet without limits or restrictions.

With AT&T leading the charge, others may start to realize the importance and even benefits of providing the country with something for free. Free Wi-Fi may even lead to data usage limits being lifted so users can enjoy amazing service for less, even outside Wi-Fi spots.

For its customers, AT&T provides Basic and Premium Wi-Fi services. Basic Wi-Fi is included with all AT&T high speed Internet services, like AT&T DSL and Uverse Internet.

There are all sorts of options for connecting to the internet. From cable and dialup to DSL, consumers do have their choices these days. If it’s DSL that’s desired, however, AT&T DSL Internet offers one of the best solutions going.

AT&T DSL service is a Digital Subscriber Line solution that offers high speeds without the fuss and muss cable installations can involve. Since it offers broadband access using telephone lines, most consumers already have the basic equipment they need to enjoy DSL service.

AT&T DSL High Speed Internet is considered among the best for a few very good reasons. Here are four reasons why it pays to consider this particular service provider:

• Speed – AT&T DSL Internet is by its very nature a high-speed, broadband solution. Consumers will find, however, that they do have their choice of speeds. AT&T has gone to great lengths to ensure its DSL customers have options meant to support standard use, business-grade service and more. Even those who need rapid fire connections for demanding online games will discover AT&T DSL has an option that suits them. The download speeds for this service ranges from 768 Kbps to 6.0 Mbps. For speed higher than 6.0 Mbps, AT&T offers Uverse Internet which goes up to 24 Mbps for download speeds. Uverse Internet is also used for AT&T Uverse TV service.
• Reliability – AT&T DSL is considered among the most reliable in the industry. This is because AT&T has gone to great lengths to ensure its users enjoy the best in service at the homes and at their businesses. AT&T backs its DSL service with robust technology meant to ensure reliability and performance.
• Bundle options – AT&T DSL service is available on its own or as part of a number of different pricing/service bundles. Customers can enjoy this service along with home phone coverage, television packages and more. AT&T DSL subscribers, in fact, can wrap up all of their communication and entertainment needs with this single company. The options make AT&T DSL a smart and an affordable choice.
• Dedicated lines – AT&T DSL understands that neighborhood traffic on phone lines can impede the speed at which service is delivered. That’s why the company has ensured that its customers enjoy dedicated digital lines that are always available. Subscribers don’t have to worry about switching out in between phone and computer use either. Simultaneous phone and data use is a part of the plan. AT&T’s dedicated lines are also directly connected from a home or business right to the DSL gateway. This means users won’t have to worry about slowdowns.

AT&T DSL is considered one of the best choices going for high-speed internet connections. Courtesy of its reliability and the programming options available to go with it, consumers will find that AT&T delivers a solid choice to meet just about anyone’s specific requirements. AT&T DSL High Speed Internet is available as combined with home phone service, or as a standalone service known as AT&T DSL Direct. This means a customer can use a phone line provided by another company.

AT&T U-verse is making sure its cable television customers get an experience like none other. Through its Mobile Video app, it’s expanding the usability of cable services so customers can take their viewing on the road.

The AT&T U-verse Mobile Video app has been available for a while, but it keeps getting better. It was recently expanded to enable customers to download more than 700 different television episodes from more than 100 different television series. The app is available to AT&T U-verse TV subscribers at no addition charge. Customers must have U200 programming or higher. The app is available on more than 20 smartphones and is constantly being expanded.

At the most recent count, the AT&T U-verse app was available for iPhone users and a wide variety of Android phones. Some of those supported include the LG Thrive, LG Phoenix, Samsung Infuse 4G and the Windows Phone HTC and HD7S. The app has been available for iPhone users since last August.

Television shows now available on the AT&T U-verse Mobile Video app come from a variety of networks. The lineup includes shows from ABC, ABC Family, Animal Planet, Discovery, Disney Channel, ESPN, A&E, Bio, PBS, TLC, the Cartoon Network, History, HGTV and more. The app also gives subscribers the ability to browse their U-verse television programming guide so they can schedule and manage their DVR recordings from where ever they happen to be.

To make sure its customers can get the best in service on the road, AT&T Uverse also launched a Service & Support Tool app recently. This new tool lets customers get self-support information and tools for their U-verse phone, email, Internet and television service right from their smartphone. The new app is available at no extra charge for AT&T U-verse customers. It works on BlackBerry, Android and iPhone devices.

The Troubleshoot & Resolve app is another feature that AT&T U-verse provides for its subscribers. This tool provides self-support information directly on the television screen for cable subscribers.

AT&T U-verse customers will find that their service provider is working hard to stay on the cutting edge. Customers can literally enjoy U-verse services at home and on the road, no matter where they are. From mobile phone viewing to Multiscreen capabilities on their home television, AT&T U-verse service is designed to give customers the greatest options and the most control over their services. New programming is constantly being added to ensure that customers get the services and support they want.

The folks behind AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet understand that services shouldn’t be one size fits all. That’s why they offer five different packages that provide varying levels of service to meet the unique needs of individual users. After all, some people only use their Internet connection for surfing and emailing; others need a lot of power to conference, game and watch movies.

AT&T U-verse high speed Internet packages vary from the Pro account that offers up to 3 Mbps of download speed to the Max Turbo that provides 24 Mbps. Other packages – Elite, Max and Max Plus – fall in between on the spectrum to provide more tailored service.
A look at the Max Turbo package will give those considering AT&T U-verse a good idea of what the internet service can really provide. This package – AT&T’s best – provides customers the power to email, download music, take part in social networking, share photos, game online, conference, watch television, upload files, download movies, stream video and even video conference.

AT&T U-verse customers also enjoy several features that go above and beyond typical service packages. They include:

Better Connects at Home, on the Road

AT&T U-verse internet offers a built-in wireless home networking system. The Residential Gateway is designed to eliminate dead spots and prevents outside access to an internet connection. AT&T Wi-Fi also offers customers the ability to email, stream video, listen to music and more while they’re on the go using the national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network. This feature is available at no extra charge.
U-verse customers also enjoy an unlimited national dial-up Internet access unlimited if they are away from home and a Wi-Fi Hot Spot isn’t available.

Enhanced Communication

AT&T U-verse internet customers also enjoy access to the company’s email system. Mail Plus, for example, offers near unlimited storage, POP access and 10 additional email accounts.

Security

This is a big concern for AT&T and it has taken steps to safeguard its customers. AT&T U-verse internet comes with an Internet Security Suite that’s powered by McAfee. It provides a firewall, anti-spyware and antivirus protections. In addition, users also enjoy access to parental controls, a pop-up catcher, Spam Guard and more.

AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet is designed to offer customers the level of service they really need. From the powerful Max Turbo package to the more scaled down Pro package, AT&T customers enjoy unlimited access, tight security and a host of other features.

Switching home telephone service to a cable-based carrier offers lots of choices. With many different providers offering services, some wonder which one is the best to choose. When it comes to pricing and features, other carriers cannot compete with AT&T Uverse.

Why? Let’s take a look at the features AT&T Uverse delivers its customers – in addition to being able to combine television, telephone and Internet service into a single package! Here they are:

• Caller ID on TV – This is a very popular feature that enables people to screen incoming calls on their televisions. AT&T offers this and so does Comcast, Cox and CableVision. Charter does not. Time Warner only has this offered in certain markets.
• Message Waiting Indicator on TV – This is an exclusive U-verse TV feature for customers with both television and telephone service.
• Locate Me/Follow Me – Keeping up with calls at home while on the road is easy with these features. AT&T and CableVision are the only ones with the service.
• Click to Call – This feature is only offered by Uverse.
• Voicemail Viewer – Comcast does offer this with its Smart VM, and AT&T is proud to deliver it, as well.
• Call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, call waiting ID – These are relatively standard features that all the major carriers offer. Keeping mind that Charter does charge more for 3-way calling.
• Repeat dialing – This is part of the Uverse plan. Some other carriers, such as Charter, offer it with an additional charge.
• Call screening – Uverse, Charter and Cox offer this.
• Safe call forwarding – This is a feature that’s offered by most major carriers, as is anonymous call blocking and Caller ID block.
• Voice mail – Believe it or not, this feature does not come standard with all major carrier plans. Uverse includes it. Time Warner actually charges extra.
• Fax/Modem Support – Again most major carriers do provide this. Charter, however, does not.
• Combined billing – When convenience is desired, Uverse delivers. Cox is the only other carrier that provides this.
• Initial battery backup – Uverse Residential Gateway customers get this. Many other carriers charge extra for this protection.

When the most well-rounded package for the money is desired, AT&T Uverse Voice delivers on features. Unlike much of the competition, AT&T has deemed many “extra” services a part of its normal plan. From making sure customers have battery backups to providing message waiting indicators and a locate me feature, AT&T is out to make sure its customers get the very best in service.

These days people are spending more time at home, taking advantage of cable television packages to help provide their entertainment. With this in mind, getting the very best, most well-rounded package for the money is critical. So, too, is making sure a service delivers crystal clear pictures and quality. When it’s time to make a switch to something different, AT&T Uverse TV is the option to choose. The Internet service that supports Uverse TV is AT&T Uverse High Speed Internet.

Features That Make AT&T Uverse Stand Out

AT&T understands how important television is to its customers and it’s delivered package options designed to suit just about everyone and every budget. Some of the features that make this particular service stand above the competition include:

• The digital nature – All AT&T Uverse packages offer digital TV. This provides a superior quality image that’s meant to make today’s upgraded televisions look fantastic.
• Low pricing – AT&T’s packages start as low as $54 a month with a DVR included (offers change every some time). This means Uverse customers can record their favorite programs with ease to watch whenever they want.
• Local channels – Unlike some other carriers, AT&T understands that local programming shouldn’t be an “option.” It’s included in every service package.
• Upgrade options – While basic AT&T packages include more than 100 channels, AT&T understands its customers often want more. That’s why it offers plenty of upgrade services that can expand the channel lineup to more than 300 for a very low price increase.
• HD packages – AT&T’s Uverse is compatible with today’s high definition televisions. There are packages set to suit customers.
• 3D – Customers with 3D equipped televisions don’t have to go without. A 3D upgrade costs only a small amount extra a month.
• Total Home DVR – Uverse DVR is a wonder to behold. This device offers more features than much of the competition. For example, customers can record up to four shows at once on one DVR. Plus, it’s possible to record shows for play back in any room from a single DVR when other televisions have Uverse receivers. Shows can also be paused in one room and picked up in another. Another really neat feature is that recorded shows can be played on multiple televisions at once with separate controls. The DVR can hold up to 233 hours of standard programming and 65 hours of HD content.

When television is the most important form of home entertainment, AT&T Uverse delivers it better. Uverse customers will find the pricing they want on packages that will bowl them over. From its most basic package to those that deliver HD, 3D and hundreds of channels, AT&T has gone to great lengths to make sure its customers get the very best. On top of all, there’s a plenty of digital features that combine TV, high speed Internet, and phone services into the most competitive package on the market.

AT&T Uverse is available in those states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin. Here is a good start to check on AT&T Uverse availability in your area.

It’s not hard to find a high-speed Internet provider these days. The trick is finding the one that suits a customer’s needs.

The most important part about finding a high-speed Internet provider is making sure to choose one that serves the area needed. Not all Internet service providers have all of their services in all area.

For example, premium fiber optic services such as AT&T’s Uverse High Speed Internet and Verizon Fios High Speed Internet are only available in major metropolitan areas at this time. Both have intentions of expanding, but some areas may be years away from receiving these services. However, phone-based DLS service, such as AT&T DSL High Speed Internet and  AT&T FastAccess (AT&T serves two separate regions), and Verizon High Speed Internet, are available in most places across the United States. Another option is cable-based high-speed Internet. Companies such as Time Warner’s Road Runner and Comcast offer high-speed Internet service over their cable lines. Much like DSL, cable Internet is available wherever cable television is available. Then there are companies like Qwest, which are only available regionally.

After finding a high-speed Internet provider that serves the area in question, the next part is choosing the option that best suits the needs of the consumer. When it comes down to it, there are only a few differences between each company’s similar services. It may be a matter of taste when it comes to making the final decision, such as brand loyalty or customer service.

DSL service is the least expensive type of high speed Internet on the market today, but it also offers the smallest bandwidth and slowest speeds. As mentioned previously, Verizon High Speed Internet and AT&T DSL and FastAccess use technology to split the signal coming through on a telephone line, and thereby cutting the total available bandwidth. However, DSL does not interfere with phone service.

Cable service is the most common form of high speed Internet service. Because of its mass availability and “bundles” that group various cable services together for savings, cable high speed Internet is a popular choice. It’s a much improved system over DSL, but more expensive. Cable companies will also restrict their bandwidth if they feel their customers are using too much.

Fiber optic service is relatively new on the scene, and offers the fastest high speed Internet service available today. Although it can be expensive, the technology fiber optics can provide (like whole-house wireless with U-verse) more than make up for the cost.? In addition, fiber optic based services also carry TV and phone VoIP service signals which work well for many people that bundle those services. AT&T Uverse, Verizon FiOS, and Comcast IXFINITY are examples of such services.

There are several different ways to receive your high speed Internet, television and telephone signals. There are many more companies around fighting to obtain your custom. Among them is the fairly new branch of one of the older providers in the United States. This is Verizon FiOS.

FiOS History

Verizon is the “parent” company of Verizon FiOS. Verizon emerged in 1983 as Bell Atlantic. When Bell Atlantic made a merger with GTE Company in 2000, the result was Verizon. Verizon FiOS grew out of the company’s exploration of and decision to implement optic fiber technology as an integral part of the delivery system. In 2009, 3.1 million clients chose to use Verizon FiOS with 2.0 million electing for Verizon FiOS television.

The Use Of Fiber Optic Technology

Verizon FiOS does not rely on traditional cables to transmit its data. Instead, it uses fiber optic technology. Fiber optics offers optimal bandwidth and decreases various types of interference, including that created by weather disturbances. The glass wires tend to be thinner and lighter, but need extra fortification to strengthen them for outdoor and underground employment.
The use of fiber optic technology has found favor because it is digital rather than analogue. It is, however, labor intensive. Verizon FiOS is slowly expanding their market by replacing the old technology with the new, using union labor. During the replacement and addition, Verizon FiOS is employing a 100% fiber optic system.

Company Products and Services

To bundle or not to bundle, that is the question. Do I want to try to save money and pay a single bill, or do I wish to mix-and-match and spread my wealth around? With Verizon FiOS, you have a choice. You can do either. You can even opt for 2 and not 3 of the products offered by Verizon FiOS.
Verizon FiOS does encourage bundling. There are usually special offers on the “package” deals. These are Verizon FiOS Triple Play or Verizon FiOS Double Play. The former provides you with the Big Three: high-speed Internet, HD television and telephone. Prices range in accordance with the specific packages you want. It can be the usual basic or you can add more features.
This same applies for television, Internet and telephone. For example, if you want, you can add Verizon FiOS Security Suite to heighten the security against viruses, phishing, etc. This will cost extra as will opting for more movies for your television or such telephone features as unlimited calling. If you wish to save money, check for bargains but be wary. Verizon FiOS will lock you in for a year, sometimes alter the rate for a product or service after 6 months and then even double the cost in the coming years.

Conclusion

Verizon FiOS is working on expanding its move into digital TV and fiber optic technology. The expansion is slow, but eventually, it will take over all aspects of the delivery system across the United States and elsewhere. Verizon FiOS will need to offer inexpensive rates if it wishes to compete with other digital companies, both local and those who have national dreams such as Comcast XFINITY. We discussed that a bit in our previous post Vonage vs. Comcast XFINITY. Besides this, there is also AT&T Uverse which is another competitor n fiber optic field.

Vonage is a phone service that provides easy connection to family and friends through a phone network that relies on the Internet. It uses a method of phone connection called voice over internet protocol (VoIP). This means that phone calls are transmitted over the internet to the person who is receiving the phone call. It is not necessary for both parties to have Vonage for this to work. The only things that the Vonage customer needs are a high-speed Internet access – like cable or DSL – a touch tone phone, a US or Puerto Rico billing and shipping address, and a Vonage phone adapter.

Many think that Vonage provides the best in VoIP phone service. The connection is terrific and it doesn’t sound any different than a phone line. Vonage is very easy to set up. Connect the adapter (router) to the Internet, plug in your phone and it is ready to go. Also many think that the price of Vonage is not only competitive with other phone services, but is actually better than some phone services, including service from the old-fashioned phone companies (landline phone). While people search for a new phone service, after they had gotten tired of expensive bills from the existing phone company, they find providers like Vonage but get a little intimidated. It seems too good to be true.

Could you really just plug in your phone to make it work over the Internet? The answer is yes, it is that easy.
The most popular plan among all Vonage calling plans is Vonage World. This plan is fully packed with calling features and includes over 60 countries worldwide without extra charge.
With Vonage World people find a lot of other great features. With Vonage World, you can call anyone in the US, Mexico, India, and Canada, plus 60 other countries, like China, the United Kingdom, Japan and France. You also get unlimited calls, incoming and outbound, to all 60 countries.

The cheapest plan, called Vonage Lite, offers standard features like caller ID, call waiting, call transferring, voicemail, and a lot more. Vonage Lite, as opposed to Vonage World, offers 200 minutes of outbound calling to anywhere in the US, Canada or Puerto Rico (rates for international calling apply). It also offers unlimited Vonage to Vonage calls, when you call another Vonage user.

You can also get Visual Voicemail. With Vonage World comes visual voicemail which is a service that takes voicemails and transcribes them into text messages or emails, then sends you the messages. This is great for people that work in a noisy office and can often not hear their voicemails when they check them.

When you switch to Vonage you get to keep your existing phone number when you join. This is applicable not only to the Vonage World plan, but any Vonage phone service plan. 411 directory assistance also comes in the Vonage World plan. People that make a lot of international phone callas are especially happy with making decision to get Vonage World plan.
The only backdraw that some may experience is the lower quality if their Internet connection is not good. Also, Vonage 911 calling does not work as a standard 911.

I talked about AT&T U-verse before, but never introduced it as from an overall perspective, kind of intro. So here it is:

There seems to be many choices out there for bringing television, broadband Internet service, and telephone service into a home. AT&T brings all three with Uverse.

U-verse has been around since 2007, providing these services using computer networking and fiber-optic technology. Plus, AT&T is constantly working on its system to provide the latest innovations to its more than 2 million customers. So far, U-verse is available to 20 million households across 22 states.

The most innovative part of AT&T U-verse is its use of Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV. AT&T is the only service provider to offer 100 percent IPTV, which allows complete integration of computer, telephone, television, and wireless devices, opening up a broad range of customizable and personalized functions.

Also, AT&T U-verse features a much more flexible DVR experience with its Total Home DVR service. This service even comes free with several plans. With the Total Home DVR, subscribers can play back and record any program from any television in the home with a U-verse receiver with only one DVR. Up to four programs can be recorded at the same time on one single DVR. This system also has the ability to pause a recorded show in one room and pick it up in another.

U-verse also features a strong line-up of packages that fits nearly every budget. The least expensive package is the U-Basic, which is only $19 per month and features 20 channels. It can be upgraded with sports and movie bundles as well. The U450 package comes with every feature and bundle that Uverse features. There are five packages in between these two, such as the U200, which comes with a Total Home DVR and free installation.

The High Speed Internet Service that AT&T’s U-verse provides also has many features not found by other providers. This service provides practically unlimited e-mail storage, a wireless router and home networking, and unlimited access to AT&T’s expansive Wi-Fi network. There are also five different plans offering five different speeds, allowing customers to pay only for what they need.

AT&T is practically synonymous with home telephone service, and through U-verse, it now comes to its subscribers over Voice over Internet Protocol technology. Standard landline telephones will still work with the service, and customers can keep their original phone number or receive a new one.

Although it’s still relatively new, AT&T U-verse is a great alternative to cable and satellite, giving consumers yet another option for their entertainment provider.