Cox pioneered the bundle, so when we hear of other companies attempting to emulate our success; we’re flattered— sort of. Bellsouth’s recent announcement that it will offer its Answers® packages in all Cox/Bellsouth markets is what we’d expect from a company that’s innovatively challenged. On the surface, the packages offer customers the choice of wireless or video in Bellsouth’s triple play bundle for $99, but dig a little deeper and customers will see that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is….

•Only customers new to one of the services offered in the packages get the $99 bundled price.

•Furthermore, customers are committed to the contractual affiliate (i.e. DIRECTV, Cingular) agreements (typically for one year) to retain the discount. If they discontinue service before the contract expires, they will probably face an early termination fee.

•The local phone packages do not include unlimited long distance, but rather, feature only 200 minutes of long distance calling.

•The packages also lack the “Complete Choice Package,” of call features, so voicemail isn’t included No voice mail in a service bundle? Customers can get it – with an extra $5 price tag.

•And don’t forget about the $10-$15 in additional slick fees, residential fees and taxes.

Really--do those numbers equal $99 to you?

Not by my math.