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One way to judge whether bundling telecom services -- buying several as a package for one price -- is a good deal or not is to add up the prices of each one separately, and compare it to the bundled price.

But is that the only factor? What else do I need to consider?

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The biggest thing I've hit is contract length. Are you going to be locked in for a year, two years, more? Some places like Verizon actually may have different contract lengths for even bundled services. For example, since they outsource their non-FIOS TV to Direct-TV, that contract is for two years, while their internet and phone is for one year. Also the bundle price may expire sooner than the contract length.

One final caveat, bundles may be limited in choices. You may want fast internet, but have to upgrade your cable as well in a bundle. So you'd want to compare the cost of the bundle to the fast internet and smaller cable package to figure out your real savings.

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My brother just got Verizon FIOS in his neighborhood. He's been really pleased so far, but did have some issues getting his phone set up. Part of what was nice, though, was that literally everyone in his block got FIOS at the same time, so the service people were around all the time. All of that to say, check out what folks in your 'hood are doing. Posting an email on the neighborhood list-serv, if you have one, might be a good idea.

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Good observation. Service can be locale-dependent. – mbhunter Dec 19 at 7:00
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THe folks in our area that have tried it, have had multiple complaints. Mainly with the non-dominant services not being worked out.

In other words, the cable company was good on cable, but poor on telphone, neutral on internet.

The phone company, was the opposite. It seems that when these conglomerates get away from their main area of focus, then they aren't as good in that area-re glitch's, bugs etc.

That being said, I am sure as time passes, these problems will be worked out-just tough on early adopters...

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When I bundled with Cox, I didn't realize that it was going to make using my Tivo a nightmare. I had to switch to their DVR because I didn't have a normal phone line. So, consider that aspect if you use Tivo. Although they have probably improved the wireless capabilities by now. (This was in 2006.) I miss Tivo. I HATE my DVR from Cox, but I refuse to pay for a phone line since we both use only our cells.

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