AT&T to Clarify DSL Speed Expectations

AT&T expects to modify the way it packages its broadband Internet service, offering more precise levels of service that promise minimum and maximum transmission rates.

AT&T Senior Vice President Robert Quinn told the Federal Communications Commission the company would offer "non-overlapping tiers" of broadband service, rather than its current offerings which go "up to" varying speeds of data transmission.

"When we provide broadband services based on speed, we will do so in discrete tiers that are disclosed to our end-user customers," Quinn said.

Quinn said the changes were among "clarifications and improvements" AT&T plans to make to its customer disclosure policies, which the company hopes to roll out later this year.

"If we find that we are not providing service within the ordered speed tier, AT&T will take action either to bring the customer's service within the ordered tier or give the customer an option to move to a different tier," Quinn said.