AT&T to form its own 'Geek Squad'

AT&T today launched ConnecTech, an in-home support team that deals with setup and repair of home media services, and not exclusively to AT&T customers.

For fees beginning at $69, AT&T will send a technician to your home to perform installation or support-related tasks. Services include: wireless network setup, setup and connection of PCs, digital media, printers, music or photo setup, PC upgrading, home theater and TV installation, as well as in-home or telephone support.

Prices for each of AT&T's services are on par with Geek Squad's, except for some in the Home Theater category. To have a Geek Squad tech come to a customer's home to set up and mount a 33"-60" flat-screen television will cost $199.99. AT&T's identical service for TVs over 32" goes for $100 more.

AT&T has built a new business upon its customer service reputation. Last year, the company ranked highest in small business customer care satisfaction, according to J. D. Power surveys. This month, the company took third place among its competitors in J. D. Power's Customer Care Performance study for consumer services. The industry average was 96; AT&T scored a 97.