Decision On AT&T Franchise Application Due In Mid August

Telecommunications giant AT&T could begin statewide deployment of cable television and broadband services as early as August 15th. That's the deadline for the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to review and process their application for a statewide franchise license. TRA Director Eddie Roberson says staff has 15 days to review AT&T's application and make sure it's in order. From there, the agency has 45 days from the date of filing to issue the statewide franchise certificate. Under the law, AT&T will have two years to begin deploying service. Within three-and-a-half years, the company must offer service to 30-percent of the franchise area listed on its application. Twenty-five percent of those households must be deemed low income as defined in the law.