Many double- or triple-play subscribers have experienced the bill shock that comes when promotional pricing ends. It's this scenario that Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is hoping to rectify with new long-term price guarantees that become effective today.

Verizon customers subscribing to one of several FiOS bundles of voice, Internet, and TV services now have the telco's word that the price at sign-up won't change for the first two years. If they use Verizon's self-service ordering tools to sign up for their bundle, they'll also get $5 off per month for the same 24-month plan.

For example, its current FiOS triple-play bundle that includes 40-plus HD channels, up to 15 Mbit/s downstream and 5 Mbit/s upstream FiOS Internet, and FiOS voice will sell for $99.99 per month. With the guaranteed two-year rate, subscribers save $240 over regular prices, which previously started at $109.99 per month.

Verizon is focusing on adding value to its services to compete against cable, according to a spokesman for the company's high-speed Internet and DirecTV Group Inc. (NYSE: DTV) bundles division. The telco wants to remind people that there are many ways to increase the value of the bundle, and price certainty, which Verizon's competitors don't offer, is one important way, the spokesman said.

Other promotions that Verizon unveiled to drive that point home today for both consumer and small businesses can be found on Verizon's residential and small business Websites.

In a related announcement today, Verizon launched a new La Conexion FiOS triple-play bundle package for subscribers that want Internet and phone service, as well as FiOS TV programming in both English and Spanish. The bundle costs subscribers $89.99 per month, and also comes with a two-year price lock.

— Sarah Reedy, Senior Reporter, Light Reading Mobile