From Simplicity, Shock

One of the supposed advantages of getting your television, telephone and Internet service from one provider is the simplicity of dealing with one company and getting one monthly bill.

But Cox Communications, which rolled out that three-pronged service at an apartment complex in Foothill Ranch last week, is finding that a single bill doesn’t always make customers smile.

The trouble is, rolling them all into one bill can produce a real whopper. Dealing with the items separately, even though they add up to the same amount, is a little easier on the blood pressure, said Steve Becker, vice president of commercial broad-band services for Cox.

So Cox is sending separate bills to most people but will send a single bill to those who request it.

Greg Miller covers high technology for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7830 and at greg.miller@latimes.com