Verizon Wireless to bundle cell phones

Coming late to the game, Verizon Wireless begins bundling cell phones with data and other packages. Verizon is joining other major carriers in the effort to bundle services.

“While the wireless/wireline services do have some attractiveness, the priorities in the customers’ minds are good calling deals, DSL, and DirecTV,” said Mr. Smith. “The awareness of our deal with DirecTV is still very low. If we could get people to recognize that, then the triple play will kick in.”

Verizon resells DirecTV satellite services in most of its markets. The company is attempting to build a triple-play market consisting of voice, DSL, and video, while it continues to roll out its fiber-to-the-home service.

Verizon has done some marketing of this type, but appears more committed heading forth. Cable companies have also experimented, and haven’t quite found the formula, but neither side is willing to wait for the other to succeed first. Once the customers get used to the bundling, you’ll lose customers to companies who offer it.