UPDATE: Telecom reform credited for AT&T expansion

AT&T Inc. said this morning that legislation passed last year allowing telephone companies to better compete with cable providers was a factor in its decision to create 425 jobs in Indiana rather than other states.

The San Antonio company said it will add the jobs at its offices at 220 N. Meridian St. by 2009.

The call center jobs, which will average about $40,000 a year with benefits, will provide customer service for the company’s high-speed Internet service. The positions are being brought in-house after having been outsourced.

The expansion will involve AT&T making a capital investment of $4.6 million.

Attending this morning’s announcement at the Statehouse were Gov. Mitch Daniels and Mayor Bart Peterson. The company will receive up to $1 million in tax credits from the state and more than $279,000 in tax abatements on equipment and property from the city.