The trend towards telecoms companies offering one-stop shop residential internet services in Bermuda gathered pace this week when Bermuda Telephone Company (BTC) rolled out its Complete Home Internet service.

In doing so it has joined a growing list of firms offering customers streamlined internet connectivity comparable with what is available in other countries.

BTC was bought by Digicel Bermuda last month and has now added internet service to the internet access it previously provided.

In a statement it said the move would be “a breath of fresh air to customers that historically might have faced the inconvenience of multiple calls to different companies in the event of technical or service questions”.

By bundling together internet service and access, BTC is the latest company to market itself as a one-stop shop provider. Other companies with a sizeable share of the market who are offering single billing, one-stop options include Logic, Digicel Bermuda, Bermuda CableVision, WOW and LinkBermuda.

CellOne and TBI are not marketing one-stop shop packages on their websites, although TBI has partnered with WOW, allowing the latter to offer a service and access bundle.

The shift in the internet landscape locally has gathered momentum during the past year.

For many years the residential internet market place was fragmented due to regulations forcing customers to pair up an ISP (internet service provider) with an access provider, such as BTC or Bermuda CableVision. That meant dealing with two companies and receiving separate monthly bills for the two internet connection components.

The issuing of Integrated Communications Operating Licences in April 2013 opened things up and allowed firms to start bundling internet service and access together, giving customers the convenience of dealing with a single provider and receiving a single monthly bill.

Results from a survey published by the Bermuda Regulatory Authority in April showed that 85 per cent of respondents said they would prefer having one provider for both internet access and service.

Last month, when Bermuda CableVision launched an internet service and access plan, CEO Terry Roberson said: “Bermuda residents have grown accustomed to paying two companies for their internet service.

“For years, they have paid one company for access and another for service. We’re delighted to be taking advantage of new industry rules and offering customers a truly combined experience — one bill, one service — at an affordable price.

“Anyone who has ever been stuck between their access and service providers when trying to get customer support will appreciate how much easier it is to deal with one company.”

This week BTC CEO Robin Seale, in announcing the firm’s new one-stop shop service, said: “We are delighted to extend the choice everyone in Bermuda has for internet providers today with the launch of Complete Home Internet from BTC.”

The Royal Gazette contacted CellOne and TBI to ask if they would be offering one-stop shop services, and was awaiting responses at press time.