Mediacom joins phone market

Mediacom Communications on Oct. 17 launched its residential telephone service in Springfield, pairing it with the company’s existing Internet and cable products for one monthly discounted rate.

A week later, SBC released its super bundle promotion, allowing customers to buy phone, Internet and television services for one price and on one monthly bill. For $99, long distance customers can add DSL and Dish Network satellite television services. Customers also can add a Cingular Wireless phone plan, starting at $39.99.

Mediacom phone service is available in Springfield and surrounding communities for $49.95 but is cheaper if purchased with other monthly subscriptions. Phone service with either family cable or Mediacom high-speed Internet service is $39.95, and phone service with both cable and Internet is $29.95.

The offers point to increasing competition in an already tough telecommunications market.

Randy Hollis, senior manager of government relations for Mediacom, said the company hopes to be competitive by continuing to add other services as the market supports them.

“It was a good time for us to enter the market – this is not only a good thing for our company but also our customers,” he said. “It’s a very logical move for us.”