Bundles of services are nothing new in the “triple play” world of telecom providers, but here’s a different twist: AT&T is now offering Amazon Prime subscriptions as part of a bundle that includes broadband access, U-verse TV and an HBO subscription.
The $39/month package, designed to appeal to would-be cord-cutters, was spotted by a reader at DSLReports.
It’s the latest move by Amazon to spread the reach of its Amazon Prime membership program, which normally costs $99/year. One analyst recently estimated that Amazon may now have as many as 50 million members worldwide, a significant increase over the past year, despite a price increase from the earlier rate of $79/year.
It’s also the latest partnership between Amazon and AT&T. Amazon is separately including a free year of Amazon Prime with its Fire phone, available exclusively on AT&T in the United States, but sales of that device have been sluggish. Amazon Prime membership includes free two-day shipping and Prime Instant Video movies and shows, among other benefits.
Be sure to read the fine print if you consider this AT&T U-verse bundle. The price goes up to standard rates for Internet after a year, and there’s an early termination fee of up to $180 if you cancel before the end of the 12-month period. The U-verse deal includes a year of Amazon Prime.
Here is the fine print on the Prime deal, explaining how it works.
Amazon Prime Offer: For new residential customers in select markets purchasing U-verse Internet service online at att.com. Online activation through Amazon required. Redemption email with fulfillment instructions will be emailed to customers after installation of U-verse services. If an existing Prime member, the included year will be added to the end of your existing subscription. Offer ends December 13, 2014.