In what may be a hint of the future, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is quietly testing an in-home entertainment service in Erie, Pa., that bundles Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE service with DirecTV's broadcast satellite content.
According to Investors Business Daily, Verizon is providing 4G LTE service to a handful of homes using a rooftop antenna. The homes also are equipped with a satellite dish to receive DirecTV video service. By bundling the two services, Verizon and DirecTV could effectively compete with cable companies outside Verizon's traditional FiOS service footprint by combining broadband Internet and video content.
A source told Investors Business Daily that the two companies may expand the trial in 2011. The companies declined requests for comment.
On Sunday, Verizon launched its LTE service in 38 markets nationwide. The company has said it will launch its first LTE smartphone in the first half of 2011, and plans to launch voice-over-LTE service by late 2012 or early 2013.
For more:
- see this Investors Business Daily article
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