AT&T Inc. will invest approximately $350 million in the next several years toward fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies for the company’s North Carolina consumers.

Last year, North Carolina passed the Video Service Competition Act. Companies now must obtain a state-issued franchise rather than negotiate with individual municipalities.

AT&T’s infrastructure and investment will include its U-verse service, a 100 percent IP-based TV offering.

AT&T is also in the process of implementing U-verse in the Southeast region of the U.S. and plans to provide a comprehensive update later this year.