AT&T, Comcast, EPB roll out new features
Chattanooga is Comcast test market, allows some locals to sample features before they are available to public
Leaders with local television, phone and Internet providers are always working to implement the latest technology in ways that will be effective and easy for consumers.
Comcast, AT&T and EPB each have new features—from new apps to customer service chat options—in the works.
“We are constantly working to enhance our services,” EPB spokeswoman Deborah Dwyer said. “There are several exciting new features in the works, which we hope to be able to announce and begin rolling out soon.”
Leaders recently launched a Web chat feature on EPB’s website, Dwyer also said.
It allows customers to chat immediately with customer service representatives.
Customers can also send an email or request a return phone call online.
“It gives our customers more flexibility and added convenience when they need to reach us,” she said.
Comcast—Chattanooga test market
Chattanooga is one of a few test markets around the country, Jim Weigert, Comcast vice president and general manager, said.
The team of testers, which currently includes about 150 customers, is called the X-team.
That team also includes some employees, and between 700 and 1,000 additional testers will soon be added to the group, he said.
The X-team gives feedback on new services and apps about everything from the look and feel to the function.
“The reason we are adding another 1,000 is that we are putting them in a concentrated area, not only to see if the product works well, but [to see if it functions] well from a network standpoint,” he said.
One of the new features testers have been providing feedback on is the new television guide, which Comcast users see when they navigate television and movie options.
“It has a new look and feel that we hope to have across this whole market later this year,” Weigert said.
Another new feature X-team members have been testing is a Facebook app that allows consumers to access Facebook on the television.
The app doesn’t allow users to comment, only view the page.
“We felt typing on a remote would be frustrating,” Weigert said.
Some testers provided feedback that they didn’t like not being able to post, but, in this case, it isn’t solely up to Comcast.
“That’s a partnership with Facebook, so we don’t have full control over this,” he said.
Comcast aims to use technology to help the community with issues such as health, business and education, Weigert also said.
Comcast has a partnership with the American Heart Association, and they are working together on a heart channel to educate people about health issues.
Comcast is also working with the Hamilton County YMCA to create an On Demand channel that will provide a sampling of the exercise classes offered at the local YMCAs.
Also in the works is a channel that will provide help for parents and local school children.
Comcast is working with four pilot high schools—Howard, Normal Park, Red Bank and Soddy Daisy—on programs in which students film content.
It started out as mainly sports but is expanding into academics.
There are plans to film ACT prep classes and make them available On Demand.
“I’m a big believer in public education,” Weigert said.
AT&T
AT&T spokeswoman Cathy Lewandowski said that one of AT&T’s newest features is a Yellow Pages app.
“Contrary to what some believe, the app packs in much more than business phone numbers,” she said.
Comcast is also working on a Yellow Pages app.
Lewandowski said that AT&T’s Yellow Pages app allows users to browse through thousands of restaurant menus as well as access local gas prices and coupons.
“The YP app is a great, free way to navigate Chattanooga,” she said.
There are four other new U-verse apps available, Lewandowski also said.
U-verse customers can search “U-verse enabled” in the Apple app store to access these apps.
For example, Buddy TV Guide provides personalized recommendations, displays a customizable TV guide, shows reminders and real-time commenting and features extra content on mobile devices.
Another app, Miso, lets users share what they are watching and find new shows based on what friends are watching.
For information about these apps and others, click here.
