Verizon Wireless and Comcast are jumpstarting their new partnership with the cross-selling of each other’s services in Seattle and Portland.
“Through our agreement with Verizon Wireless, we’re delivering even more value for consumers by providing an entertainment and communications solution that fits their lifestyle,” said Steve White, president of Comcast’s West Division. “By adding wireless services to our Xfinity offerings, we’re able to provide consumers with a great in-home experience, combined with the superior reliability of Verizon Wireless’ network.”
Comcast expects to offer the Verizon Wireless bundles in other systems this year but hasn’t given a timeline for the additional launches.
The partnership, which was first formed when Comcast, Bright House Networks and Time Warner Cable sold their wireless spectrum last month to Verizon Wireless for $3.6 billion, will allow each of the service providers to bundle and sell the other’s services. The bundles include Comcast’s Xfinity video, data and landline offerings with Verizon’s wireless service.
The joint marketing program in Seattle and Portland also includes a prepaid Visa card of $100 to $300 in value.
To be eligible for the Visa prepaid card, a customer must be a new Xfinity subscriber to a qualifying double-play or triple-play package. Additionally, the individual must be a new Verizon Wireless customer purchasing a qualifying smartphone or tablet data plan, or an existing Verizon Wireless customer adding a new line of service or upgrading service with a new smartphone or tablet, both with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the prepaid Visa by mail.
The promotion launched in eight Seattle-area Verizon Wireless stores today. In other areas, customers need to dial a toll-free number or go online to buy the bundles.
Prior to today’s launch, the two companies worked with their call center employees to include information about each other’s respective services.
Under the terms of the partnership, each service provider retains its own subscribers. For example, Comcast customers that subscribe to Verizon Wireless’ service will receive a separate bill from Verizon.
