BellSouth Corp. on Wednesday announced a marketing alliance with DIRECTV Inc. to offer consumers digital satellite television service in early 2004.
Atlanta-based BellSouth and DIRECTV also announced plans to explore integrating digital satellite and DSL technology.
BellSouth, the third largest local phone company, said sales are planned early next year throughout its nine-state territory.
“We are not talking about a short-term fix,” said Bill Smith, BellSouth chief product development and technology officer, in a statement. “We are looking to a long-term business relationship with DIRECTV.”
BellSouth said it would provide discounts to customers who purchased bundled packages, such as satellite television and local and long-distance phone service.
Last month Qwest Communications International Inc. announced a marketing agreement with DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications Corp. In July SBC Communications Inc., the second largest local phone company, also announced a strategic agreement with EchoStar.
