[jser]

It's likely much more than two databases. Most MSOs outsource billing and customer service to companies like Convergent. It's a mess of legacy regions and products with different vendors involved. Try troubleshooting phone number porting -- that goes through Accenture.

You can take one of my bills -- I receive two Ecobills and a paper bill!

[skorgu]

They have many more than two databases. Different geographical units use entirely separate billing systems to reduce vendor lock-in.

[nattaylor]

This is definitely true. My initial intent was to oversimplify the problem and explain to friends, not the HackerNews audience.