AT&T to provide in-home tech support

Move over Geek Squad, AT&T is launching a new in-home support service that will do everything from setting up home computers and Wi-Fi networks to installing home theater systems.

On Thursday, the phone company announced the new service called AT&T ConnecTech, which will be in select markets across all 50-states. The company described the service as an "all-encompassing home services care program that is designed to take customer service, and the company's own support capabilities, to the next level."

The service, which is available only to residential customers, provides customers with a slew of services from home theater planning and consultations to new hardware installation and notebook repair. Specifically, AT&T technicians will be available to mount flat-panel TV's on walls, install and set-up new PC or Apple computers, including setting up email and virus protection; repair computers, including parts and hardware replacement; and install and trouble shoot home networking issue. The service will be offered both in-home and over-the-phone with next next-day service installation available seven days a week.

And you don't even have to be an AT&T customer to take advantage of the support service. Anyone can call and use the service, if it's offered in the area.

Sounds great, right? But all this extra help and support comes at a price. To get a computer and network set up, it will cost customers $99. Throw in some in-home support to fix whatever problems ail your PC and it will cost you $179. If you just want phone support for the computer, it will cost $69. And set up for a TV and home theater costs $149.

All of these prices are on a per visit basis. Once on site, these prices include two hours of technical time. "Additional charges may be incurred for multiple trips, extended distance (beyond standard metropolitan areas as determined by AT&T) -including rural or limited access areas, or extended time," the fine print on the company's web site says.

Compared to Best Buy's Geek Squad prices, AT&T's services are a bargain. The Geek Squad charges around $170 to set up a wireless home network. And it charges another $160 to set up and customize a new Mac or PC. And to install a flat screen TV it costs anywhere from $350 to $800.

As home networks and home entertainment systems get more complex, it makes sense for consumers to turn to professionals for help. Clearly, there is money to be made. And AT&T isn't the only network provider to take notice. Verizon Communications also offers beefed up support for its Verizon DSL and Fios customers.

Device Protection provides repair or replacement coverage for eligible computers, TVs - regardless of age, brand or place of purchase - and telephones for a monthly fee of $19.99. The plan also covers original equipment such as remote controls, modems, keyboards, mice, monitors and FiOS backup batteries. Additional plans are also available.

The Premium Technical Support service is managed for Verizon by Firedog, and it includes telephone and online support for such network issues as virus and spyware detection and removal; virtual private network problems; help with firewalls; problems with computer operating systems; and gaming connectivity. It costs $14.99 a month.

In June, Verizon started offering in-home support for such things as installing and configuring a new computer or setting up a home network. At this point the service is only available to Verizon DSL and Fios customers, but the company is looking to expand the offering to non-Verizon broadband customers.

[dragonbite]

Yeah, and they still require MS Windows or Mac and IE to set up an account for their DSL. So will they charge you or walk out if you call them to set up your Linux computer?

[ddnnd]

they need to get their existing customer service in order first! i have yet to have a good experience with ATT. at least when they come to my house they can not put me on hold.

[Grammar-Nazi]

If they handle this tech support as poorly as they handle their over-the-phone customer service, then everyone who calls them is doomed.

[Jase415]

?Hello, you?ve reached AT&T ConnecTech. You say you need some help with your computer setup? No problem. I?ll send someone right away. How does sometime between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm sound??

[compudoc318]

great, more money for me, I run a small cpu repair shop, and I get so many failed "fixed" computers from geek squad. These big shops have no idea what service is about, and thier inflated prices just drive more customers my way. everyone is doing this, staples, cox, walmart, best buy, and in the end, i just keep getting more and more customers from thier poor service and untrained staff, keep up the good work big box cpu repair shops, at this rate, ill be a big box shop in no time....lol.

[concearned]

You have to remember that this is a "BIG HUGE COMPANY". For example, the last ATT CEO Ed Whitacre received a $157 Million Dollar Retirement Package. The Largest Retirement Package for any CEO in United States History! Maybe you saw the story on NBC Nightly New's with Brian Williams? Though this came at a cost of several hundred jobs, you have to remember this is a business.

The new Chairman, President, and CEO (Each Title = more $$$,$$$,$$$) Randall L. Stephenson and his helper's has quite an easy mountain to climb to top this last Golden Parachute. Farm out the work to Temporary Agencies. Where the personnel supplied can be led to believe they can become Multi Millionaires just like Randall.

To get there, you will work six day's a week, unlimited hours, without any Benefits. If you don't like it? Quit. Remember this is a "BIG HUGE COMPANY". No job security. No benefits. Just low pay and long hours.

Their Business Plan apparently is to use the Media to get the word out that they Sponsor the Olympics. And the iPhone (no comment). But behind the scenes you have to remember, this is "BIG HUGE COMPANY?. As you can see from the previous comments, IT ISN'T WORKING!!

[wowza3]

This is downright awful journalism. Why don't you look up the prices at Best Buy before you put them in your article. It does not cost 350 - 800 bucks to set up a flat panel tv there. It costs $199 for the home theater set up, which at $50 more than AT&T is a bargain because Geek Squad has experience. Beyond that, if you buy a TV over $1000 at the same time then you save $100 off the service. Bringing a home theater set up to $99.99. $50 better than AT&T. If you purchase a TV less than $999 you still save $50 bringing the Geek Squad service to $149.99, the very same price as AT&T. Please do your research before you print your hate rhetoric.

[emmaelle12]

This is good one technical support news for home users you I saw today on google searching a another company which provide technical support in Canada http://www.iyogi.ca/