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View Full Version : DISH Part of Enhanced SBC Bundle


Steve Mehs
11-19-02, 04:14 AM
SBC is enhancing its "SBC Connections" promotion, which aims to build on its bundling strategy that offers phone service along with Internet access and video offerings.

SBC said partnerships with companies like EchoStar, Yahoo and others will allow it to offer a larger selection of services and better compete against long-distance phone carriers. It also helps the regional phone company compete with cable operators that have their own phone product. The new "SBC Total Connections" bundle unveiled Monday promises to provide annual savings for a typical consumer ranging from $276 to $575 a year, with one bill covering Internet and phone service, the company said.

SBC customers also can add satellite TV through DISH Network, but charges for that service will appear on a separate bill. SBC and EchoStar announced their partnership in April, described by company officials as a strategic marketing alliance that allows each company to market their respective services to the other company's customer base.

An SBC spokesperson said one example of a promotion tying DISH Network with the bundle is a discount on satellite TV service offered to SBC customers who sign up for Yahoo DSL. SBC's regional operations - which includes SBC Southwestern Bell, SBC Ameritech, SBC Pacific Bell, and SBC Nevada Bell - also have been promoting DISH Network on their respective Web sites.

As of third quarter, more than 7 million, or 22 percent, of SBC's customer base subscribed to a distinct package or bundle from SBC, the regional phone company said. According to research cited by SBC, approximately 60 percent of consumers are interested in purchasing packages or bundles.

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/nov2002/111902.shtm#three) (Used with Permission)

bryan27
11-19-02, 08:26 AM
SBC customers also can add satellite TV through DISH Network, but charges for that service will appear on a separate bill.

That's stupid. The whole point of bundling is to get everything in 1 bill. This isn't bundling this is offering SBC customers a discounted rate for E* and everyone else pays a higher rate to offset the SBC discounts.

What will be next an NRTC type situation where if you live in an SBC area you have to get E* through them?

jeffwtux
11-19-02, 07:57 PM
I don't think there will actually be discounts from subscribing to Dish. The discounts are more for subscrbing to DSL which is really unfair. Don't get me started on this. They shouldn't be subsidizing DSL which only a select few can get from POTS service. This is like taxing the poor to pay the rich. If they want to give bundle deals fine, but don't make subscribing to a service which isn't available one of the requirements. This is why the entire telecom industry should be socialized.
However, don't worry there will be no DishNetwork discounts added to this bundle.

Glen_D
11-21-02, 07:28 PM
I think you are right, jeffwtux, about no Dish Network discounts for SBC customers. This sounds like nothing more than a marketing arrangement between the two companies. SBC, in effect, is a Dish Network dealer like any other dealer. That is why the Dish Network services would be billed separately.

SBC could install Dish Network at the same time they install other services on the customer's premises. The only advantage for the customer is the ability to order telecom, internet, and satellite tv services by calling one number. SBC then bills the customer for installation of SBC services, and would be reimbursed by Dish Network for installation of satellite service, even though all the services may have been installed at the same time by making one trip.

There is no mention of Dish Network special rates on SBC's website, only a description of the DHP at regular rates.

Mark Holtz
11-21-02, 08:04 PM
Here is another viewpoint from Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/5246870p-6253370c.html).

dcb
11-22-02, 06:01 AM
I don't know if this thread is referring to the same bundle special I got a month ago, but I ordered SBC ameritech DSL and Dish and got a good rate for DSL for one year and thereafter $5.00 off per month. Also, $5.00 a month off from Dish per month. So far I am pleased with both.

Don

Geronimo
11-22-02, 06:43 AM
So it appears that thre is a DISH discount. Interesting.

jeffwtux
11-23-02, 07:27 PM
dcb: where is this published? I have not seen, nor heard of a such a deal from a CSR?

jeffwtux
11-23-02, 07:27 PM
dcb: what is your rate for DSL for after the first year?

dcb
11-24-02, 11:03 AM
jeffwtux

The offer must have been short lived. I can't find anything on their web site.

Here is how it worked. Buy DSL service and DISH Network for one year. The DSL rate was $29.95 for the first year and after one year the rate will be the current rate ( $39.95 ) - $5.00. DISH monthly cost was $5.00 /mo less than the normal cost for what ever service you ordered. All eguipment was free. I did order the Home PNA networking option which added about $100 to my equipment cost after a rebate. Also paid extra for the PVR 508 Dish receiver.

You might try calling SBC's DSL phone # and try to get some answers. 1-877-273-6008

dcb










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