Multichannel News’ Linda Haugsted reports that Alan Weinkrantz, “a technologically savvy blogger” will be part of AT&T’s San Antonio beta test of its U-Verse IPTV service. Haugsted described Weinkrantz as “a potential nightmare client,” presumably because he may have some frank and embarassing (to AT&T) criticism if U-Verse stumbles out of the gate.
In press release, Weinkrantz describes himself as a “PR tech blogger…[whose] agency’s clients “include AudioCodes, CopperGate Communications, Mercom Systems, pulver.com/Jeff Pulver.”
“The week of May 22, I’ll be writing about my experience with both AT&T…and Time Warner…ordering service, disconnecting the cable company, the installation and set-up, and user experience,” stated Weinkrantz.
The daily posts will also include a “Memo to Ed,” which will be suggestions to AT&T chairman Ed Whitacre. Weinkrantz is offering Whitacre (or any senior level AT&T executive) the opportunity to come to his house to hang out and watch IPTV on the family’s 56-inch Sony TV. “Y’all are invited over during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. We can watch TV, surf the web at blazing speeds, and with a few hours’ advance notice, I’ll even grill steaks,” states Weinkrantz.
Weinkrantz currently has three TVs running on the AT&T system and operates a totally wireless home, with the help of Apple AirPort devices. Even the stereo system can be controlled from Weinkrantz’s Apple PowerBook so he can listen to his iTunes-based music or favorite Internet radio stations.
In a post today, Weinkrantz says his household has three TV sets: a new 56’ HD-capable model and two analog sets in his childrens’ bedrooms. He also says that he’s “been a long time TimeWarner San Antonio cable customer and have no complaints about the service, or dealing with the company. They deliver a great service.” He also explains that:
I am approaching the blog posts I am about to make as a consumer and not a technologist or a PR consultant to our clients. No one is paying me to do this. AT&T is offering the service at no charge, now - through October. I have lost my HD signal, and I knew this going into the trial.
Mitch Shapiro at 10:01 PM|Comments(0)
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