CONSUMER CORNER Finding Relief For Fuel-Weary Budgets

(NAPSI)-Rising fuel prices are causing consumers to change more than just their driving habits. In many cases, recent increases in gas prices have driven up the portion of weekly budgets consumers have allotted to gas. This often means they are less able to spend money on retail purchases, entertainment and dining out, according to a recent study from The Nielsen Company. As a result, “stay-cations” are replacing vacations, home-brewed coffee is replacing morning lattes, and sale racks are taking precedence over new designer arrivals. But there is hope for the fuel-weary consumer as many companies try to ease their budget burdens by offering an alternative solution to cutting life’s small luxuries. For example, one telecom provider is offering its customers free TV for 12 months when they subscribe to the company’s Triple Play service. Customers can now get the America’s Top 100 Package from DISH Network Satellite TV free for one year when they purchase EMBARQ home phone with unlimited nationwide long distance and the provider’s high-speed Internet service for under $59 a month. The offer requires a two-year agreement for both services. Customers who sign up for this Triple Play offer will now have one less expense to worry about for the next 12 months while enjoying the TV, Internet and home phone services. “At EMBARQ, we offer great services at a great value,” said Harry Campbell, president of the company’s Consumer Markets. “The price of gas should not prevent customers from staying connected and entertained.” For more information about free TV, go to www.embarq.com/freetv. The offer expires August 31, 2008. Some companies are helping consumers deal with higher gas prices by offering deals on entertainment and communications designed to ease their budget.

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