MUMBAI: Verizon and DirecTV has entered an agreement that will enable Verizon wholesale customers to sell a package of voice, DSL and DirecTV services that is designed to offer a superior and more value-oriented alternative to cable "triple play" offers.

Under the agreement, telecom service providers that utilize Verizon's popular wholesale advantage voice service and selected high-speed data services can also receive DirecTV service and sell all three services to consumers at a competitive price. The companies expect the package to become available in July. 

Terms of the agreement between Verizon and DirecTV were not disclosed.

"The agreement demonstrates wholesale telephony's progress as an industry since the Federal Communications Commission allowed providers to enter into commercial agreements for many wholesale services last year," said Verizon Partner Solutions David Small. "Verizon is dedicated to helping our wholesale customers compete with the cable industry's triple play. By joining with DirecTV, the market-leader in digital satellite TV services, we add a strong video brand to our voice and DSL services for wholesalers, creating a powerful combination and an attractive triple play at a discount."

DirecTV sales and service president John Suranyi said, "The triple-play offer for wholesalers enables DirecTV to reach a new segment of customers with an attractive array of services that will more effectively compete with the local cable provider. Consumers have been responding favourably to the superior choice, value and quality offered by the Verizon/DirecTV service bundle, and we believe Verizon wholesalers will find they now have an offer that will invigorate their market."

Verizon expects to make the bundle available to wholesale customers in July. Wholesalers must buy Verizon's wholesale advantage voice services to qualify for the package discount