Wrap it up with Bundled Satellite Packages

There once was a day when satellite TV service cost a fortune, as did high-speed Internet and other newer technologies. As satellite television becomes more and more integrated with the fabric of daily life in America, these services are being offered at lower and lower prices. And as the customer base for these services rises, so does the demand for simplified and consolidated bills.

Many satellite companies are dealing with this desire by giving customers the option to wrap their satellite TV, phone and high speed Internet bills into one. And phone companies are linking up with high-profile satellite companies to offer great deals on some of these packages.

Consumers can now enjoy these services for one reasonably low price, along with the option to personalize each one. Having the ability to customize the viewing, talking and surfing experiences while paying one monthly bill is what’s drawing so many to these deals.

While consumer behavior is driving the convenience factor of the all-in-one bill, market forces may be the impetus for falling prices. Because the phone and Internet companies are working together with the satellite companies to fight the cable companies for business, the price is driven down. The total bill is generally less than the sum of the bills would be if a customer purchased their phone, Internet and satellite separately.

Some packages even include a cell phone service, as well as a long distance home phone service. And many companies tout special offers such as free satellite for a given amount of time when bundling the plan with Internet and phone service. The convenience and cost effective nature of these plans has made them a popular choice of the American consumer.

So is there a downside to this new phenomenon? Yes, in a way, there is. By packaging services together, these companies convince customers to use newer technology. Someone using dial-up Internet, for example, would be forced to upgrade to high-speed if they want to bundle a package. High-speed Internet, even in a packaged deal, is more expensive than dial-up. In this manner, companies are prodding the public to keep up with changing technology and higher prices.

So far, however, consumers seem quite pleased with the convenience that accompanies the upgrade to better technology — even if it costs a bit more than dial-up. Science is not slowing down, and consumer goods will keep changing. Soon companies will be trying to wean consumers off of these satellite packages in favor of the latest design. But for now, bundled satellite packages are a great way to get it all.