AT&T has obeyed an FCC order that it release a broadband Internet service for $10 a month.

But just to show how enthusiastic it is about the idea, it does not seem to be promoting it at all.

The deal was part of an agreement with the FCC when AT&T wanted to get its paws on BellSouth for $86 billion last December. They also agreed to give punters a free modem as part of the deal.

However when AT&T announced the outfit's new DSL plans the deal, which is much cheaper, was not mentioned. Sharp eyed punters found the deal buried on the AT&T Web site.

No, it is not on the page describing DSL options. You have to click a link for "Term contract plans". It is just under the sign "Beware of the Leopard" and "Read any further and you will catch herpes".

The agreement with the FCC required the company to offer the plan for at least two and a half years. But did not mention anything about promoting it. A spokesAT&T would not comment about future advertising plans for the offer.

First, what is a "punter"? Second, how do we get the deal and what are the terms and details? The devil is always in the details.