SBC Communications and EchoStar Communications launched SBC/ DISH Network satellite TV service across SBC’s 13-state service area.
SBC’s residential service bundles now include a “quadruple play” or TV, wireless, broadband and local/long distance service on a single, monthly bill. The SBC/ DISH Network satellite TV programming prices start at $29.99 a month and include local channels (where available) at no additional cost, free standard professional installation for up to four TVs, no long-term commitment requirements, no equipment to purchase, and a choice of receivers, such as a digital video recorder (DVR) and a high-definition receiver.
In the future, SBC and EchoStar plan to develop set-top boxes that combine the features of satellite TV, digital video recording, broadband, home networking and telecommunications services – moving to truly integrated telecommunications and entertainment services.
SBC said its relationship with EchoStar is modeled after its SBC-Yahoo! alliance. For the past six months, an SBC-EchoStar team has worked to develop simplified ordering tools, integrate billing systems, train thousands of employees and create “a seamless customer experience.”http://www.sbc.com
