Time Warner Cable and Verizon Communications have teamed up to sell both companies’ products to their respective customers, sweetened with a $200 rebate card offer.

The collaboration comes well before the federal government approves a wireless spectrum transfer between the cable operator and Verizon Wireless.  Both companies are under scrutiny in Washington for potentially anti-competitive behavior associated with the joint marketing agreement.

Today Time Warner Cable launched the new promotion in Raleigh, N.C., Kansas City, and three cities in Ohio — Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo.  Time Warner expects to expand the offer to other cities later this year.

To qualify for the gift card, customers must activate a new two year contract with a Verizon smartphone or tablet (with data service) and choose either a qualifying new service or upgrade to your Time Warner Cable account.  You must agree to keep the service active for at least 90 days.