Cincinnati Bell (News - Alert) customers will be able to lock down a standard monthly payment for a bundle of services “for life,” without a contract, under a new marketing program called "Priced For Life." The bundles require purchase of a landline connection with either a wireless or broadband access add-on, and is available for both existing and new customers.

 

Under Bell’s “Priced For Life” program, customers can establish a permanent monthly rate for two or more services – as long as they maintain their current level of service at their current residence, the company said in a news release.

 

That's one way to stem landline voice line erosion, and will be most valuable for users who do not think they will be moving soon, or ever. Qwest (News - Alert) Communications has in the past (2006 and 2007) run promotions offering a fixed price for life for broadband access, which as I recall also included a landline voice connection, in return for taking a two-year contract for voice services.

 

The Qwest offer remains in effect so long as the customer does not upgrade or downgrade access speed, change ISPs or drop landline voice service.

 

Likewise, "Priced For Life" is not available in the event of a change of address or changes to additional features or services including, but not limited, to Spinvox, wireless data plans, Fusion WiFi (News - Alert), non-published service, Directory Assistance, or Wire Care, Cincinnati Bell says.

 

Users might not like all of the terms and conditions, but Cincinnati Bell's downside revenue exposure is limited. Customers move and change their features even when they don't move. But the carrot of a price for life might be enough, in many cases, to prevent customers from downgrading or abandoning other features and services that do drive revenue.

 

Qwest reported lots of success with its own "price for life" offer, and it is likely Cincinnati Bell likewise will benefit as well.