Verizon, DirecTV set sights on MDUs

There's gold in them thar MDUs! Or so says a strategy unveiled Thursday that will bundle together video from DirecTV [1] and Internet and voice services from Verizon [2].

This quasi triple-play bundle - a hookup of Verizon and MDU Communications International (DirecTV's long-time MDU partner) - aims to outdo cable in the tough multiple dwelling unit sector.

Verizon said it will offer the DirecTV bundle to MDUs in areas where it does not already offer its own "entertainment programming" (i.e. FiOS TV), and this includes regions such as the U.S. Northwest, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The MDU strategy is a follow on to its existing bundle for other residential customers.

Under the deal, Verizon and MDUC will collaborate on service proposals and provide the installation of services and special gear required for MDU environments.