AT&T U-verse TV Becomes First Early Adopter of EPA ENERGY STAR Requirements for Set-Top Boxes

AT&T U-verse TV Becomes First Early Adopter of EPA ENERGY STAR Requirements for Set-Top Boxes

U-verse IP Receivers Improve Energy Efficiency and Savings Compared With Other Set-Top Boxes

SAN ANTONIO, May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced that AT&T U-verse(SM) TV is the first video service provider to commit to operating under the new ENERGY STAR program for video providers.

As an ENERGY STAR participant, AT&T will provide U-verse TV customers with Motorola and Cisco Systems Inc. receivers that meet the new ENERGY STAR efficiency criteria well in advance of Jan. 1, 2009, when it goes into effect. U-verse TV Internet Protocol (IP) receivers offer increased energy efficiency compared with other digital set-top boxes today. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy that sets strict energy-efficiency specifications and promotes qualified products to help American consumers reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

"Everyone can play a part in being good stewards of the environment, and we're proud that AT&T U-verse TV is an ENERGY STAR partner from day one," said Eric Small, AT&T vice president of broadband planning. "We're committed to providing customers with products and services that can minimize their environmental and energy impact. That's why we're proud to participate in the ENERGY STAR program and to exceed the EPA requirements for video providers, with 100 percent of our deployed U-verse receivers meeting ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements."

"We applaud AT&T for their commitment to deliver ENERGY STAR qualified set-top boxes to their AT&T U-verse TV customers," said Robert Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Their efforts will bring a new level of energy efficiency to home entertainment, helping households reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money."

AT&T U-verse TV receivers meet the stringent ENERGY STAR requirements for IP set-top boxes. Because of the inherent benefits of advanced IP technology, IP-based set-top boxes are more energy-efficient than other digital set-top boxes. ENERGY STAR limits for IP set-top boxes are about 36 percent less than cable set-top box requirements. The improved efficiency is achieved, in part, because IP receivers don't have tuners.

"Cisco has been an industry stakeholder working with the EPA on developing the ENERGY STAR program for set-top boxes," said Himanshu Parikh, vice president and general manager, IP Subscriber Networks, Cisco, Service Provider Video Technology Group. "We are fully committed to improving the energy efficiency of our products while maintaining continued technical innovation of features and functionality."

"Motorola is committed to reducing the burden on natural resources through a process of product innovation and design excellence, and our VIP1200 and VIP1216 IP Set Tops continue that long-standing tradition," said Doug Means, corporate vice president and general manager, IP Video Solutions Group, Home & Networks Mobility, Motorola Inc.

Providing customers with U-verse TV receivers that meet the ENERGY STAR requirements is one way that AT&T is working to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. AT&T works to enhance energy performance and minimize energy consumption in company buildings, IT systems and networks and is evaluating alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power. The company conserves natural resources through waste reduction, recovery and recycling efforts, helping its customers do the same. AT&T also helps customers further manage their own environmental impact through intelligent use of AT&T products and services, notably teleconferencing, video conferencing and other broadband applications.

For additional information on AT&T U-verse TV -- or to find out if it's available in your area -- visit http://uverse.att.com/.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes as well as schools and commercial buildings. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved more than $16 billion on their utility bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles. For more information, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rolf.gatlin@fleishman.com

Source: AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Destiny Varghese of AT&T Inc., +1-214-665-1314,
dvarghese@attnews.us

Web site:

http://www.att.com/
http://www.energystar.gov/

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