Cincinnati Bell Adds Mobile Apps to Home Phone

Somewhat following in AT&T Inc.’s footsteps, Cincinnati Bell is getting its fixed-mobile convergence on by imbuing the home phone with certain mobile applications, like the ability to send text messages.

Dubbed the Smart Home Phone, users can send and receive SMS messages, take advantage of a voice-to-text function provided by SpinVox, and get visual voicemail. The display also allows widget-type access to directory assistance, news, weather and traffic.

The service requires a special handset, which costs $29.99 for customers who have the LEC’s broadband Internet and home phone. Otherwise the phone retails for $129.99.

While the move adds stickiness to Cincinnati Bell’s triple play, it also bolsters ARPU: After a three-month period, users can get unlimited texting for $9.99 per month, and SpinVox for $5.99 per month.