America`s number five cable company, Cablevision Systems, revealed yesterday that more than 1 million customers have subscribed to its digital telephone service.

This represents about one-third of Cablevision`s 3 million cable TV subscribers, and half of its 2 million high-speed internet users.

Customers are being encouraged to sign-up for the New York-based cable carrier`s triple play bundle, which includes television, internet, and basic phone service for around $90/month. Unlimited long-distance calling within the United States and Canada is provided for an additional $19.95/month.

Cablevision`s strategy of encroaching on the telephone market is largely intended to remain competitive with telecom giant, Verizon, which already offers a competitively priced triple play bundle within Cablevision`s New England footprint.