It takes diligence to keep telecommunications spending in check because prices and offerings change frequently. Among those changes is the triple-play bundle, which includes television, telephone and Internet services.
This winter might finally be the time to bundle up.
Previously, many experts pooh-poohed these bundles as being more expensive than shopping for each service alone. And that still is true if you're a light user of these services.
But growing competition between cable TV and phone companies, which sometimes team with satellite TV companies, has led to sweeter deals. It has made bundles worth considering. In fact, for heavy users who want the most robust services, bundles can be a big money saver.
"The price of bundles is starting to become a lot more competitive," said John Breyault, spokesman for consumer advocacy group Telecommunications Action and Research Center.
A typical $99 triple-play bundle includes a premium level of television service, broadband Internet service and a feature-laden landline telephone package with free domestic long-distance calls. U.S. households typically spend $150 to $200 a month on those services, according to research firm CFI Group.
Half of households surveyed by CFI already had a bundle of some sort, and about 20 percent plan to obtain one soon.
Telecommunications spending is important, not only because offerings change quickly, but because it's central to spending FITness, where FIT stands for food, insurance and telecommunications.
Here are telecom-bundle tips and considerations:
Use.
If you're a light user of these services, you might not save money with a bundle.
Light users don't make many long-distance calls, or they use their wireless phone for them. They might not need Caller ID, call waiting and phone company voice mail. Light users don't subscribe to premium movie channels. And light users of the Internet, who mostly check e-mail and do occasional Web surfing, can get by with slower-version DSL service, which is cheaper. If this sounds like your household, you probably can find better telecom deals a la carte or in double-play bundles.
In general, if you don't already spend $99 on these services, not including fees and taxes, and are happy with the level of service you have, don't bother with a bundle, Breyault said.
Practical concerns.
