City inks deal with AT&T-No time frame set for cable services

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A new source for cable television is coming to Hartselle, but there’s no timetable for when the service will be available.
After months of negotiations, Hartselle has signed an agreement with AT&T to provide internet protocol video services, including cable television, in the city. Charter Cable is currently the city’s only provider of cable television.
The agreement with AT&T is similar to one the city has with Charter. The agreement is for 10 years with the city receiving 5 percent of gross revenues, as well as other licenses and fees. AT&T will also provide a channel to the city for its use, something that’s been a sticking point between Charter and the city.
AT&T won’t agree, however, to providing a build-out clause, meaning it doesn’t have to guarantee service throughout the city.
Charter’s franchise agreement does require it to provide services to the entire city. What the city is signing with AT&T, however, isn’t an expansion of its franchise but an agreement. The city’s AT&T contract includes language that if a contractor files suit as a result of the agreement, AT&T will bear the costs.
Other municipalities, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Jefferson County, have recently signed similar agreements.
The contact was negotiated by Local Government Services, the same organization that handled the Charter contract.
AT&T’s program offers more than 200 channels, digital music and local stations, as well as video-on-demand and picture-in-picture viewing.