Compare Charter, Verizon and AT&T Communication Bundles

Charter Communications offers a choice of three two-service bundles. The first offers 12-Mbps Internet Express and TV Basic for about $40 per month as of 2011. The next higher bundle offers Internet Express and unlimited local and long-distance calling for $60 per month. The premium two-service bundle offers Digital TV On Demand and Internet Express for about $75 per month. Charter's lowest-priced three-service bundle offers TV Basic with local programming, Internet Express, and unlimited nationwide calling for $70. Some of the price differential between tiers of service is determined by the Internet speed offered. Charter's Internet Lite provides a connection speed of up to one Mbps, and Internet Express offers up to 12 Mbps.

Verizon's level and areas of coverage are segmented more than the other two providers being compared. Therefore, it has fewer bundled services options. As of 2011, Verizon's standard two-service bundle offers unlimited local and regional calling with high-speed Internet for $20 per month. Its standard three-service bundle provides unlimited local and regional calling, high-speed Internet, and DirecTV with premium channels for $55 per month. As of 2011, a FiOS two-service bundle includes high-speed Internet and unlimited calling for $70 per month, or high-speed Internet and Prime HD TV including premium channels for about $75 per month. Verizon also offers a few FiOS three-service bundles. FiOS HD TV, high-speed Internet, and unlimited calling is available for $85 per month. Alternatively, there is FiOS Extreme HD TV, a higher-speed Internet, and unlimited nationwide calling for $90 per month.

AT&T;'s two-service bundles offer unlimited local calling and high-speed Internet for less than $36 per month as of 2011, or unlimited local and long-distance calling and high-speed Internet for $50 per month. Its three-service bundles provide some variety when compared to Charter and Verizon. The first package offers unlimited local and long distance, high-speed Internet, and 450 wireless phone minutes that roll over for $90 per month. The alternate plan provides unlimited local and long distance calls,, high-speed Internet, and DirecTV with premium channels and a DVR as part of package for about $92 per month.

Charter, Verizon, and AT&T; may not all be available in the same areas. The choice of cable, phone, TV and Internet provider may not be up to an area's customers. Charter Communications' service bundles most clearly reflect its origins as a cable provider. It offers more options in digital TV than the other two.Verizon and AT&T; both show their telephone-company roots through their variety of phone packages and Internet options. However, Verizon's embracing fiber optics for bundled service delivery looks to become the pervasive mode of delivery in the next several years.