TDS, EchoStar Streamline Billing

TDS Telecommunications Corp. customers who also subscribe to EchoStar Communications Corp.’s Dish Network direct-broadcast satellite service can now pay for both services via one bill, the companies announced Thursday.

Subscribers to both services had to maintain separate billing and service relationships even though the DBS service was purchased through TDS Telecom, which has been a Dish retailer since 1997, the companies said.

“The agreement makes it even easier for customers to take advantage of the triple play for voice, Internet and Dish Network,” TDS Telecom president of integrated-local-exchange-carrier operations David Wittwer said in a prepared statement.

EchoStar senior vice president, broadband division Tom Stingley added, “This partnership will allow our joint customers to enjoy a single bill, single point of contact, greater customer service and packaged discounts.”