AT&T service would offer Decatur healthy dose of competition

Competition tends to improve service and reduce price, welcome tendencies when it comes to Decatur’s cable television and broadband options.

AT&T’s recent announcement that it is considering bringing Internet-based television to the Decatur market is good news both for those who switch to AT&T and those who do not.

The company recently provided the city of Decatur with a proposed public-benefit agreement. If approved — and all the Alabama cities to receive the agreement have approved it — the agreement would give the city up to 5 percent of gross revenues on AT&T’s video service, plus provide public, educational and governmental television options for Decatur.

The factor that has hindered competition in the past has been utility poles. Decatur entered into franchise agreements with Charter and Athens-based PCL, but PCL’s build-out has been far slower than hoped. Charter has had a monopoly in much of the city.

That monopoly has eroded some through technology, with the advent of digital subscriber line Internet and satellite-based television.

The monopoly would end if AT&T brings its U-verse service to Decatur. Because it is Internet based, U-verse is more interactive than cable.

Having at least two viable television and Internet options in the city would increase choice for consumers, and prod Charter into more aggressive customer service and pricing.

The Decatur City Council should act as quickly as possible on AT&T’s public-benefit agreement. We encourage AT&T to enter the Decatur market quickly.

The competition it brings will be good for consumers.