Choosing a cable company depends on location and available options. Cable companies offer TV programming, internet access, and phone service, often in bundles with upfront incentives. Consumers should compare channel offerings, repair times, and ask for recommendations. Satellite providers offer better image quality but are less reliable in extreme weather and may require additional equipment. Multiple cable companies may offer deals to match competitors’ rates.
The choice of cable companies may or may not be an issue. In some areas, people will have two basic options: the local cable provider and satellite TV providers. Other locations, especially larger areas, may have multiple cable TV companies in addition to multiple satellite TV companies. Whether or not people have a choice depends a lot on where they live.
Cable companies may offer the following different services. They can offer access to television programming, cable Internet access, and even phone service. Obviously, customers need to decide what they want when looking at the different companies available. They may just want TV programming or they may be looking for a full service that offers TV, phone and Internet at the same time. Cable Internet is definitely faster than most other forms, including those that operate over regular phone lines (DSL) and wireless service, and this can be a point of consideration.
Many cable companies sell things in bundles, which means people pay higher prices for more channels and more services. These packages sometimes have attractive upfront incentives. For example, a company could offer telephone, Internet and a good selection of channels for less than $100 dollars (USD). These are usually upfront fees and the cost will increase after the introductory period ends. It’s a good idea to understand the eventual cost, including extra charges for boxes, DVRs, and taxes before being lured into an introductory rate, and certainly find out how long the introductory period lasts.
Within these packages, consumers can have some choices about the type of programming they want, while still getting some channels they’re likely never to see. It makes sense to do a general comparison between cable companies and any satellite providers in the area to determine the channel offerings best suited to the channel’s needs. Also look for things like the number of digital channels (if that matters) and the availability of digital video recording, on-demand services, and premium channels. Typically, companies also have very low rates for “basic” customers. If everyone wants local news and some of the major broadcast networks, compare prices for basic packages to determine the least expensive.
Other things to compare include the average time to complete repairs. How soon will a cable supplier be ready to solve a problem? Ask friends and neighbors too about the companies they prefer. Some may have definite opinions about companies they like and dislike, and are able to make recommendations based on their experiences.
Many people are torn between the virtues of cable companies and satellite providers. Satellite can provide slightly better image quality, but it is less reliable in extreme weather conditions and means having additional equipment that must be connected to a home. Renters and anyone belonging to a homeowners association should check the permissibility of installing small satellite dishes before hiring a satellite TV company.
When there are multiple cable companies, it is possible to make deals with each of them to get the best prices. If another company that a homeowner doesn’t want to use is offering a better rate, talk to your preferred cable provider to see if they’ll match the deal. Surprisingly, some companies are very good at this, because they clearly want to keep people as customers.
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