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8 Tips for Finding the Perfect TV Cable/Satellite Plan
Tips to help you find the best cable TV or satellite provider in your area
Finding and committing to a new cable TV or satellite plan can seem difficult and frustrating. There are many companies that provide different types of services, plans and deals. It might seem like a lot of information to go through but with the following tips, you will see that you can find the perfect and most suitable cable TV or satellite plan that works for you. The more informed you are, the better.
1. Find out which companies serve your area. Many people don’t realize that not all cable/satellite TV companies cover all areas. So even if you have heard you friends talk about how great their service is, you should ask about cable TV or satellite availability in your area. You can go to their website and input your address or if you decide to call, make sure it is the first question you ask the representative you are speaking to. This tip is one of the easiest ones to help narrow down your search. Here are a few companies to get you started on your search:
- Dish
- ATT Internet
- Spectrum
- Xfinity
- Frontier
- Centurylink
- Viasat
2. Read reviews. After you figure out what companies you want to reach out to, make sure to get more information on them. Read articles about the companies. Ask your neighbors what companies they use and how they like them. What is their customer service like? Can you easily resolve issues online or on the phone? Do they experience blackouts on certain channels or any service interruptions? If you are interested in internet usage, ask about that as well. Make a list of all the questions you want to ask so you won’t forget them. Making a pros and cons list can also help you decide on which company will better serve your cable TV or satellite TV needs.
3. Figure out what you want including what you are willing to pay. This might seem like an obvious one, but it is really helpful to know what it is that you want from your provider. Here are a few questions that can help you start thinking about that: How much are you willing to spend? Do you want a cable or satellite provider? If you live in an apartment building, can you have a satellite dish? (Finding this out will help reduce your options.) If you have a family, make sure you know what everyone watches. Do you just want a basic channels plan or do you want premium channels? Does anyone in your household want a sports package? How about a DVR system? If so, how much storage do you need? Would you like to be able to customize your cable channels? Knowing this information, will help you eliminate companies that don’t have the services you want. It will also help you have direct questions for your service representatives.
4. Do you need TV cable, internet and phone services? If so, ask about bundles. Bundling your plans can help you save money. Do you need a phone line, an internet provider or both? Ask what kind of discounts they can offer you, if you bundle those services. Make sure to get details on what each service entails. For example, some companies might have data caps on internet usage. Internet speeds are also important, especially if you have family members that like to stream, are gamers or work from home.
5. Ask about introductory deals. Since you will be a new customer, ask about what kind of promotions they can offer you. Most companies have deals to attract new customers from competitors. Don’t forget to ask how long the promotional period lasts and mark it on your calendar as a reminder. If you are interested in premium channels but aren’t sure which ones, ask about free trial periods. This way you can see what kind of programming is offered and commit only once you decide on which one(s) you want to keep. Asking these questions will help you find the best cable or satellite TV deals.
6. Look at the fine print. Some of the services you want will require equipment or have extra fees. For example, cable boxes, routers and DVR services. You might be charged monthly for renting their equipment. Ask your representative to break down what your bill will look like. Inquire about any extra fees. Some people opt to buy their own routers to avoid rental charges. If you have a smart TV, you might not need to rent a cable box. A lot of companies now have an application to access their cable network through your TV. While you’re at it, ask about installation fees. A few companies might offer all of these for free once you ask about them. It will also help you figure out what you are and are not willing to pay for.
7. Contracts. Another good thing to consider is whether you would like to have a contract or not. If you are not ready to fully commit, Spectrum has a no contract option and they even offer a 30-day money back guarantee. It is a great deal to take advantage of if you want to try before you buy! On the other hand, you if you are ready to commit you have services like DISH that have a two-year price guarantee. This is worth looking into as it keeps your price from increasing for those 24 months. Decide on what would work best for you and what will fit your budget.
8. Negotiate. Lastly, always remember that you can negotiate. If you find that you want to sign on with one company but also know that another company has similar options for a lower price point, let them know. They might be willing to match it to keep their prices competitive. You will never know until you ask.
If you remember all of these tips while searching for a cable/satellite TV provider this task will be a little less daunting. Doing your research will ensure that you are signing on with the right company. A company that will meet both your service and budgetary needs.
Make the Switch for a Better TV Experience
Learn what a wifi hotspot is and how it works. A Wi-Fi hotspot uses a device to provide internet access. As stated above, you cannot have a hotspot without Wi-Fi. Depending on the type of Wi-Fi hotspot that you are using, it can make the internet and downloading speeds much faster. Love to stream? Having a Wi-Fi hotspot can eliminate buffering. Aside from your home, it has become popular for businesses and even some public areas to provide Wi-Fi hotspots for their patrons.
Pick the perfect cable TV plan that fits your needs after reading this complete guide to the types of cable TV packages. We live in the content age. If you're looking to access the best programming in your household, you'll need to shop for cable service that is ideal for you. But what should you look for when finding a cable provider?
In most cases, there are a few specific companies in your zip code and the surrounding area that you can get cable TV service from. You can choose between cable and satellite providers.
These are media giants like Spectrum, Cox, and AT&T. When you know which types of cable are offered in your area you can start browsing between different packages and discounts.
- Business Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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