COLUMBIA -- AT&T Inc. has announced plans to invest about $250 million throughout the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies in South Carolina. The investments will also bring new services, including cutting-edge television, to South Carolina consumers.

This announcement is a result of the Competitive Cable Services Act, which was recently passed by the South Carolina General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mark Sanford. The new law is designed to stimulate competition in the cable TV marketplace by allowing companies that want to provide competitive video services to get a state-issued franchise rather than negotiate with individual municipalities and counties, a process that often takes years to complete.

"We thank the General Assembly and Gov. Sanford for bringing real video competition and choice to consumers," said Gregg Morton, president, AT&T South Carolina. "We look forward to delivering the most advanced technology available in television, voice and Internet services to South Carolina. Consumers will see a new world of communications and entertainment."

According to the Internet Innovation Alliance, increased competition in the video market would result in increased investment across the industry. Competition could also spur new entrants, contractors, equipment-makers, manufacturers and service-providers to create more than 1,400 jobs in South
Carolina.

AT&T's infrastructure and investment will include a new world of communications and entertainment through AT&T U-verse service. AT&T is in the process of implementing the AT&T U-verse network in the Southeast region and plans to provide a comprehensive update later this year.