AT&T looks to expand high-speed fiber network to 21 cities

By Marina Lopes NEW YORK (Reuters) - AT&T Inc said on Monday it expects to expand its ultra-fast fiber network and TV services to up to 21 U.S. cities, including Chicago and Atlanta. AT&T, which is fighting rivals such as Google Inc as well as cable companies with its fiber-based product, is considering providing broadband Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second and its U-verse television service in cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami. Before the company can enter these markets, it must make agreements with local leaders in each city. The services are currently available in Austin, Texas and some surrounding communities, and will be rolled out in parts of Dallas this summer, the company said. AT&T also said it may consider expanding its reach to 100 cities eventually. Earlier this month, AT&T announced it was in discussions with North Carolina Next Generation Network to bring U-verse with high-speed internet to North Carolina. U-verse launched in 2006 and currently has 10.7 million combined Internet and TV customers. (With additional reporting by Liana B. Baker; Editing by Marguerita Choy)