Bundling Services is Good for Business, Consumer

Earthlink has entered the market of providing television to its customers through its new business arrangements with Echostar (Dish Network) and DirecTV. This is a good move for businesses in this area. I have always disliked having to write three or more checks each month for my TV, internet, and phone service. A company that can provide all three, and is willing to discount the price as you use more and more service from them, will likely see a jump in customers, as well as revenue from existing customers. The bundling will benefit consumers with lower rates, and (hopefully) better service as the competition among rival businesses such as Earthlink and Bellsouth continue to grow and threaten the local-monopoly cable franchise. Eventually "true" competition will cause many providers to lower their rates, while increasing their customer service satisfaction. Hooray for free enterprise!

The original article, "Satellite TV Services, Earthlink Team up" can be seen at the following: http://www.ajc.com/tuesday/content/epaper/editions/tuesday/business_34af29fcc3024135000d.html