Even if this in an old post I'll answer it for educational purposes.
You're off better getting the $75 Motorola modem, at least in my case they also included a Linksys E1000 router (a $40 value). Also, it gives you the flexibility of using a different router (ie a DD-WRT capable unit).
1. The tech goes to your house if you cannot get service. (ie you're not getting solid green lights)
2. It is as easy as setting up cable. If everything goes fine, you'll just follow the provided instructions and activate your account over the internet.
3. Not sure about the question. Perhaps you mean the blue pair. (?)
4. No, you pay for the equipment upfront, it's yours to keep (it's probably as useless as Dish's receivers). They don't give you the option to lease it or provide your own.
Some tips and personal experience.
- In my case the external wiring in the apartment complex wasn't done (not surprised, all my neighbors have Comcast), the first time the tech came I wasn't home and the tech closed the order. I had to open a repair order (even tough I never had service in the first place). The second time, I was home, the tech ran all the necessary tests and found the problem. Turns out, if a tech comes again in less than ten days, they have to charge AT&T for the visit, otherwise they'll be fired. AT&T passes this to the customer ($55). Just call them and they'll remove the charge.
- Don't let customer support activate the account over the phone. You should be able to do it yourself. If you don't get a solid signal (solid green lights), the tech has to come and fix the line first, period. The exception, off course, would be if you have a solid signal and cannot activate.
- The chat support is useless, and you have to be very patience with the phone support. Good news is at least they were very kind and tried their best to help. For example if they have to transfer you to another department, they will stay with you until you get transferred. Don't let them "call you back".
It took me at least five phone calls and a couple of hours combined to get the service up and running, off course it will vary depending on where you live.
In theory it should only take a few minutes on your activation date.
Funny thing is they also call their traditional DSL service "U-Verse". So, you go through U-Verse support even if you sub to 768k DSL.