AT&T announces the launch of U-verse in parts of 51 local communities in the Columbus, Ohio area. AT&T is now taking orders for the service and will begin installing services for new customers on Dec. 24. AT&T will continue to increase U-verse availability throughout the area on an ongoing basis.

AT&T U-verse services are currently available in the following local areas: Bexley, Blendon Township, Bloom Township, Brice, Brown Township, Canal Winchester, Clinton Township, Columbus, Concord Township, Dublin, Etna Township, Franklin Township, Gahanna, Genoa Township, Grandview Heights, Grove City, Groveport, Hamilton Township, Harlem Township, Harrison Township, Hilliard, Jackson Township, Jefferson Township, Liberty Township, Lithopolis, Madison Township, Marble Cliff, Mifflin Township, Minerva Park, New Albany, Norwich Township, Orange Township, Pataskala, Perry Township, Pickerington, Plain Township, Pleasant Township, Powell, Prairie Township, Reynoldsburg, Riverlea, Scioto Township, Sharon Township, Shawnee Hills, Truro Township, Upper Arlington, Violet Township, Washington Township, Westerville, Whitehall and Worthington.

AT&T U-verse uses AT&T's new fiber-rich network to offer cutting-edge television and high speed Internet services. AT&T is the only national provider to offer a 100 percent IP-based television service, making U-verse TV "cooler than cable" and one of the most robust and feature-rich services available today.

AT&T U-verse offers customers a combination of next-generation digital television — including access to more than 40 High Definition channels in most markets — and high speed Internet access. The award-winning AT&T U-verse TV includes cutting-edge features that are unmatched in the market, and the new U-verse enabled AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet builds on AT&T's position as the nation's largest broadband provider.

Where available, AT&T U-verse TV will offer Columbus customers:

• A compelling variety of TV packages with up to 320 channels to choose from, including digital music, local, movie and sports programming, as well as premium Spanish-language and international packages. Most programming packages include up to three HD-capable receivers — one with a digital video recorder (DVR), which allows customers to pause, rewind, replay and record live TV — at no extra charge. (Customers may add more receivers, up to a total of six, for $5 each a month.)
• More HD programming than the local cable providers. HD technology produces images more than twice as detailed as standard analog TV and offers rich, realistic video and 5.1 channel audio. AT&T U-verse TV offers customers access to a lineup of more than 40 HD channels in most markets, available in both 720p and 1080i formats, along with HD DVR capability. Access to HD service is $10 a month with any U-verse TV package.
• AT&T Yahoo! Web and Mobile Remote Access to DVR, which allows U-verse TV and Internet customers to schedule recordings from any Web-connected PC or compatible AT&T mobile phone (wireless service charges apply) by using their AT&T Yahoo! account. These features are unique to AT&T among local video providers.
• The ability to record up to four programs at once using a DVR (up to four standard definition programs or one HD and three standard definition programs). This capability is another exclusive feature unmatched in the marketplace.
• Built-in Picture-in-Picture functionality that allows subscribers to channel-surf on any television without leaving the program they're watching.
• A growing Video on Demand (VOD) library with one-touch access to movies and events.
• The ability to search for programs using the title or an actor's name to receive real-time, relevant results from upcoming linear or VOD programs.
• Easy-to-use parental controls to block live programs, recorded programs or videos by specific channel or ratings.
• Specially designed U-verse receivers, manufactured by Motorola, all of which are HD-capable and include universal remote controls that provide backlit buttons and one-touch access to VOD and other features.