AT&T has expanded its U-verse with GigaPower gigabit Internet service to Kansas City, the initial launch city of Google Fiber. While AT&T is trying hard to compete against Google’s own service in the city, including offering a voice service that Google lacks, potential customers may feel wary about signing up, as the company is offering some plans at a lower price in exchange for an erosion of privacy.
As expected, AT&T is providing a Gigabit Internet option at $70 per month for three years, matching that of Google Fiber. A second plan adds U-verse TV with HBO, HBO Go, and HD services for $120 per month, while a triple-play Internet, TV, and Voice service will cost $150 per month.
For each plan, the users must sign up for an “Internet Preferences” program, reports Ars Technica. Just as found with its installations in Austin and other markets, customers electing to take part in AT&T Internet Preferences will find AT&T will collect web browsing information from Internet traffic, ignoring any browser privacy settings. This information is then used to “tailor ads and offers” to the customer’s interests. If a subscriber decides to opt out of AT&T Internet Preferences, their monthly bill is increased by $29, bringing the basic gigabit service up to $99 per month.
Google told the report that it does not perform any tracking of web traffic through Google Fiber in this way, though users are subjected to the same tracking as other web users when using Google services.
AT&T U-verse with GigaPower will be launching initially in areas of Kansas City, MO; Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park, KS; and surrounding communities. Expansion into Independence, MO; and Shawnee, KS; is also planned.
