How to Save on Cable and Internet

With average cable bills coming in at $85 a month, and most satellite TV providers charging $100 a month, it’s only natural to seek out savings in this area.

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How to Save on Cable and Internet

 

With average cable bills coming in at $85 a month, and most satellite TV providers charging $100 a month, it’s only natural to seek out savings in this area.

 

When you throw in the cost of internet, there’s even more reason to get the best possible deal for both services.

 

We’ll kick off today by showing you how you can cut back on internet expenditure before exploring how to save money on cable.

 

TLDR: Bundle your TV and internet for the best possible deal.

 

5 Ways to Save Money on Internet

 

1.     Threaten to Leave

2.     Consider a Lower Speed Plan

3.     Buy Your Own Modem

4.     Switch Providers

5.     Constantly Monitor Local Deals

 

1) Threaten to Leave

If you’re unhappy with the amount you’re paying for your internet, do you feel you could get a better deal elsewhere?

 

Before anything else, call your internet provider and explain your situation. In the vast majority of cases, if you express your intention to leave, the company representative will offer some form of incentive to stay.

 

This strategy is a win-win. Even if you don’t get any discount, you are not committed to leaving. You’ve got nothing to lose by asking.

 

2) Consider a Lower Speed Plan

Now, downgrading to a lower speed plan is a surefire way to save money with most providers. The question is, will that negatively impact your day-to-day use?

 

If you have teens in the house downloading and online gaming, or you work from home, this will not be a viable way to save money. You need that extra speed.

 

For lighter users, downgrading to a 3 Mbps package could generate savings of close to $200 a year.

 

3) Buy Your Own Modem

Check to see if your internet provider charges you a monthly fee for modem rental. If so, buy your own modem instead. You’ll recoup the cost quickly and then save on ongoing costs.

 

4) Switch Providers

If the threat of leaving you made earlier didn’t work and you have found a superior deal, switch providers. You’ll often benefit from an attractive introductory rate for the first year.

 

Many consumers switch providers every year or so to benefit from this, although we wouldn’t recommend that strategy. It’s much trouble for too little reward.

 

If you feel you could get better value elsewhere, vote with your feet.

 

5) Constantly Monitor Local Deals

To find internet providers in your area, you need to do little more than monitor the websites of the major ISPs to see whether they operate in your state of residence.

 

Stay aware of what the competition is  pricing and don’t hesitate to switch ISPs if you feel you would be better served elsewhere.

 

OK…

 

With some minor savings made on your internet, how can you achieve further cuts with cable?



 

6 Ways To Save Money on Cable

 

1.     Trim Your Package

2.     Buy Your Own Modem

3.     Scrutinize Fees

4.     Consider Whether You Really Need a DVR

5.     Cut The Cord Completely

6.     Bundle Cable and Internet

 

1) Trim Your Package

The first and most obvious saving you can make on cable is to ditch the premium channels. Kiss goodbye to HBO and Showtime, and you could pay $30 a month less. You can always resubscribe if you change your mind.

 

This Nielsen study shows that the average American adult watches no more than 20 channels. Ask yourself if you could trim some fit to cut back the monthly bill.

 

2) Buy Your Own Modem

If you’re being charged monthly to rent a cable modem, buy your own instead. Just like with an internet modem, you’ll recoup the modest cost in short order then save month-on-month.

 

3) Scrutinize Fees

Check your bill closely and ask for clarification of any fees you’re unclear about.

 

While many fees are unavoidable, you could sidestep some unnecessary charges simply by examining your bill and following up with a call to customer care.

4) Consider Whether You Really Need a DVR

Is it imperative that you record TV shows?

 

You could easily save $10 a month if you get rid of the DVR so ask yourself how much priority you place on the convenience of recording TV.

5) Cut The Cord Completely

Now, the extreme way to save money on cable is not to have a cable package at all.

 

These days, with platforms like Netflix offering such cheap subscriptions and first-class programming, there’s no need to have cable. Grab a digital antenna for broadcast TV then opt for a cord-cutting package for much less money than your cable.

 

6) Bundle Cable and Internet

For anyone reluctant to cut the cord completely, you could take advantage of bundle deals for cable and internet.

 

All major providers offer combination deals. You can throw in phone service, too.

 

As with any package deal, you should get better value without a reduction in performance.

 

Final Thoughts

If you have any secrets on saving money for internet or cable, drop us a line and share the savings.

 

Bookmark our site before you go and we’ll see you soon.


Internet Service Providers for Smart Device in San Antonio

Discover the top Internet Service Providers in San Antonio tailored for seamless connectivity to your smart devices. Compare speeds, reliability & prices

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Internet Service Providers for Smart Device in San Antonio

Navigating Internet Service Providers for Smart Devices in San Antonio, Texas

Introduction

As the number of smart devices in our homes—from smartphones and tablets to smart thermostats and refrigerators—continues to grow, choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) becomes crucial for maintaining connectivity and ensuring optimal performance of all your devices. San Antonio, with its diverse and growing tech scene, offers a variety of ISPs that cater to the needs of a digitally connected household. This article explores the best internet service providers in San Antonio that are equipped to handle the demands of smart devices, ensuring your home remains smart and seamlessly connected.

Why the Right ISP Matters for Your Smart Devices

Smart devices rely heavily on constant, uninterrupted internet access. These devices often sync data, download updates, and communicate with apps on your phone or cloud services, activities that require a stable and fast internet connection. An inadequate internet service can lead to slower response times from smart devices, interruptions in service, and even security vulnerabilities. Therefore, choosing the right ISP is key to making the most out of your smart home technology.

Top Internet Service Providers in San Antonio for Smart Homes

1. AT&T

  • Services Offered: AT&T provides fiber and DSL internet services in San Antonio, with fiber offering much faster speeds.
  • Why It's Good for Smart Devices: AT&T’s fiber service, where available, offers gigabit speeds that are ideal for homes loaded with smart devices. High speeds ensure that devices can communicate effectively with each other and with external servers.
  • Pricing: AT&T’s Internet plans start around $35 per month for basic service, with fiber plans offering up to 940 Mbps or more, priced higher.
  • Additional Benefits: AT&T also offers smart home bundles through partnerships with companies like Google, integrating smart home technology with their internet services.

2. Spectrum

  • Services Offered: Spectrum provides high-speed cable internet across San Antonio.
  • Why It's Good for Smart Devices: Spectrum offers plans starting at speeds of 100 Mbps and going up to 940 Mbps in certain areas. Cable internet from Spectrum is widely available and offers sufficient bandwidth for multiple smart devices.
  • Pricing: Plans start at approximately $49.99 per month with various promotional rates available for new customers.
  • Additional Benefits: Spectrum Internet includes no data caps, which is a significant advantage for homes with multiple devices constantly connecting to the internet.

3. Google Fiber

  • Services Offered: Google Fiber offers fiber internet in limited areas of San Antonio.
  • Why It's Good for Smart Devices: Google Fiber provides some of the fastest internet speeds available, up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps). These speeds are perfect for bandwidth-heavy smart home devices and systems.
  • Pricing: Google Fiber plans are competitive, with 1 Gbps speeds priced at $70 per month.
  • Additional Benefits: Google Fiber is known for its exceptional customer service and reliable, high-speed internet, which is crucial for maintaining the functionality of smart devices.

4. Grande Communications

  • Services Offered: Grande offers high-speed internet via cable and fiber in selected areas of San Antonio.
  • Why It's Good for Smart Devices: With speeds available up to 1 Gbps, Grande Communications provides robust service that supports multiple streaming devices and smart home gadgets without lagging.
  • Pricing: Internet plans start at about $35.99 per month, with higher speeds priced accordingly.
  • Additional Benefits: Grande prides itself on local customer service and no data caps, ensuring that customers receive personalized support and unrestricted internet access.

Choosing the Right ISP for Your Smart Home

When selecting an ISP for your smart devices, consider the following steps:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Estimate the number of devices that will connect simultaneously and what kind of tasks they will perform (e.g., streaming 4K content, home security, remote temperature adjustments).
  2. Check Availability: Not all ISPs offer service in every area of San Antonio, especially when it comes to fiber-optic options.
  3. Compare Plans and Prices: Look for the best combination of speed, reliability, and cost, keeping an eye out for any data limits or additional fees.
  4. Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide insights into the reliability of the service and the quality of customer support.

Conclusion

For San Antonio residents looking to optimize their smart home experience, choosing the right ISP is fundamental. Whether it’s AT&T’s fiber, Spectrum’s cable, Google Fiber’s ultrafast speeds, or Grande’s local touch, there are options to suit different needs and locations. By securing a reliable and speedy internet connection, you ensure that your smart devices work efficiently, making your home smarter and your life easier.


5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spectrum

Today, we’ll highlight 5 things you might not know about Spectrum so you can assess whether this ISP’s product line might be worth exploring further.

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spectrum

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spectrum

With download speeds outflanking Comcast and Cox, Spectrum’s cable internet service gives speeds touching 940 Mbps in the following areas:


  • Austin, TX

  • Charlotte, NC

  • Cincinnati, OH

  • Kansas City, MO

  • New York, NY

  • Oahu, HI

  • Raleigh, NC

  • San Antonio, TX 


Elsewhere in the US, expect to hit speeds from 200 to 940 Mbps according to the manufacturer’s website.


Whether you want Spectrum TV, an internet-only service, or an all-inclusive package extending to your phone, what else should you know about this cord-cutting company?


Today, we’ll highlight 5 things you might not know about Spectrum so you can assess whether this ISP’s product line might be worth exploring further.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spectrum


  1. You won’t be tied into a restrictive contract

  2. Super-swift downloads with speeds nudging 1000 Mbps in some areas

  3. Take advantage of one-hour installation window to save waiting around all day

  4. Streaming service available if you have a Spectrum internet connection

  5. Spectrum offer robust business plans for less than you might imagine


1) You won’t be tied into a restrictive contract

With most ISPs, you must commit to a long-term contract to benefit from keener prices. While you might get a short-term discount, what happens if unexpected circumstances mean you want to cancel that contract? With many providers, you’ll face stiff early redemption penalties.


Spectrum offers you internet services you can easily cancel at any stage but this flexibility comes at a cost. Expect price increases once your promotional rate expires after the first year. Price hikes vary from customer to customer.


There’s only one internet plan available - more on the impressive speeds right below - along with on-demand TV, and a bundle. Whichever you choose, you can stop your subscription at any time with no questions asked.


You’ll get a free modem and free antivirus software along with uncapped data usage and commendable speeds on the download.


If you’re tempted to try the streaming service but you’re not sure if you’d like it, you have nothing much to risk as you can just cancel the package at any stage.


Now, a bit more on those speeds…


2) Super-swift downloads with speeds nudging 1000 Mbps in some areas

In today’s households crammed with gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, cell phones, and smart devices, who isn’t looking for brisk internet speeds?


Spectrum delivers the quickest starting speeds for the money with some areas benefiting from gigabit internet and blistering speeds of 940 Mbps.


Whether you’re a heavy online gamer looking for a lag-free experience, or you work from home doing lots of heavy lifting for your SEO company, get speeds to suit with Spectrum.



3) Take advantage of one-hour installation window to save waiting around all day

What’s one of the worst things about switching internet service providers?


For us, it’s waiting around all day for installation with no fixed time arranged. You could take the entire day off only to find the technician arrives at 7pm.


With Spectrum, you’ll be issued with a set time and a guarantee the technician won’t be delayed by more than one hour. While not perfect, this allows you to block off your day more easily to accommodate installation.


4) Streaming service available if you have a Spectrum internet connection

While Spectrum TV Stream is a nimble and affordable streaming platform, you’ll need a Spectrum internet connection to take advantage of this service.


Priced at just $44 monthly, you’ll get access to over 200 channels you can watch across your devices using the Spectrum TV app. Premium viewing ranges from HBO and SHOWTIME to STARZ and The Movie Channel.


If you’re looking for entertainment on the go, access up to 30,000 on-demand TV shows on any connected device.


As with all Spectrum services, you won’t need to panic about locking yourself into a lengthy commitment. You can bail out at any time and for any reason.


5) Spectrum offer robust business plans for less than you might imagine

Spectrum internet is not limited to residential packages.


The baseline package gives more than acceptable speeds of up to 100 Mbps. This is priced at a competitive $59.99 monthly. Spectrum recommends this package for up to 10 users with moderate needs.


You can step things up to cater for more users with the top $249.99 package ideal for up to 40 heavy users transferring lots of data.


The added kicker is that the streaming services make a neat bolt-on for many business owners in the hospitality industry. Get all you need in one simple bundle rather than dealing with multiple providers.




Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Spectrum now you have a snapshot of their offerings?


If you’re looking for quick internet and a solid streaming service under one roof, Spectrum is well worth exploring further. You won’t face any fees if you want to cancel and you’ll get generally responsive customer care.


As with all decisions about ISPs, yours will be largely dictated by the best providers in your area. We hope you’ve found some useful pointers about Spectrum here today and good luck finding the best ISP for your needs.


CenturyLink Internet Prices: How Much Does CenturyLink Internet Cost?

If you're looking for a new internet service, you may be wondering how much CenturyLink internet costs. Read on to learn more about CenturyLink internet prices.

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CenturyLink Internet Prices: How Much Does CenturyLink Internet Cost?

CenturyLink Internet Prices: How Much Does CenturyLink Internet Cost?



90% of US adults use the internet. It's evident that the internet is a vital way in how we connect with one another, so it's important that you choose the best internet service providers (ISPs) to get online.

There are several you can choose to get things like cable and DSL internet. If you're looking into the latter, then we highly recommend CenturyLink internet.

In this article, we'll give you an overview of this company, including CenturyLink internet prices, as well as CenturyLink plans.

What Is CenturyLink's Coverage Like?

First off, before you consider CenturyLink, you should make sure they're available in your location.

The good news is, CenturyLink is the 3rd largest DSL provider in the US. This means they have widespread coverage in the nation.

You can get their DSL services in 39 states and their fiber optic services in all 50. You'll find the greatest coverage in Washington, Arizona, and Colorado.

What Are the CenturyLink Internet Prices?

The CenturyLink internet packages are very simple.

Here are the packages for DSL:

  • 15 Mbps: $49/month
  • 20 Mbps: $49/month

Here are the packages for fiber optic internet:

  • 80 Mbps: $49/month
  • 100 Mbps: $49/month
  • 940 Mbps: $65/month

If there is fiber optic internet available in your area, we highly recommend you go for it, as all packages cost the same (with the exception of the last one, which is Fiber Gigabit). Regardless, any CenturyLink internet speed is pretty decent, even with DSL.

The CenturyLink internet data caps are the same across the board: 1,024 GB a month. This is a very generous data cap and in most households, you probably won't even get anywhere near the limit.

With the Fiber Gigabit plan, you pay a little extra. However, do you get lightning-fast speeds, as well as no data cap at all. This means you'll get smooth and hassle-free streaming with these services.

CenturyLink Price for Life

CenturyLink Price for Life is a promotion where you lock in the prices you're paying. All you have to do is stay at the same address and keep the same internet plan you're using.

In general, you'll get to keep the same prices "forever," so long as you don't make any changes to your customer account. If you're confident that you'll like the internet plan you're on, and that you won't move, this may be worth looking into.


Sign up for CenturyLink Internet Today

Now you have a good idea of the CenturyLink internet prices and more. As a result, you have all the information you need to make a smart decision on whether or not CenturyLink is right for you.

If you happen to live somewhere where you can get either DSL or fiber optic internet services from this company, then it'll probably be worth it to try it out, especially since CenturyLink is one of the biggest ISPs in the country.

If you're ready to get CenturyLink internet, then start by using our zip code search tool now. We have thousands of plans to browse, which ensures that you get the best prices around!


Is HughesNet Available in My Area? Top 6 cities for HughesNet

Is HughesNet available in my area? HughesNet operates in all 50 states but some cities receive better coverage. Here are the six best cities for HughesNet.

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Is HughesNet Available in My Area? Top 6 cities for HughesNet

Is HughesNet Available in My Area? Top 6 Cities for HughesNet


HughesNet has ranked number one in fulfilling promises to customers again and again. In 2016, the FCC rated the company positively for delivering 152% of the promised speeds in their advertising materials to customers.

This is a big deal in the broadband Internet industry. Most providers will advertise speeds up-to rates and deliver a mere 85-95% of those speeds. In 2015, HughesNet was the first provider rated by the FCC that lived up to its advertising.

Are you wondering, Is HughesNet available in my area?

HughesNet Gen5 Internet is available wherever you live today; even if fiber and cable are not. HughesNet satellite Internet is open to an estimated 308.7 million people in the US! This statistic makes it the most significant residential satellite provider in the country by coverage area. 

With reliable HughesNet Internet, you can live where you love and access faster speeds, more data, and built-in WiFi capabilities.

Keep reading for an overview of HughesNet services, including coverage, speeds, plans, and pricing. Then discover the top six cities for HughesNet in the US.

Why HughesNet?

Satellite Internet has unique benefits that users across the country, even in rural areas, can enjoy. While satellite is not always the fastest option, HughesNet customers will receive consistent speeds, no matter their zip code.

HughesNet offers dependable home services driven by high-performance satellite technology. With a variety of plans to choose from, you’re bound to find an Internet plan with data limits and premium calling features you need.

Widespread Availability

HughesNet offers Internet throughout all 50 states in the US, which makes it one of the most widely-available Internet providers out there.

Plus, you can trust HughesNet to supply consistent speeds in rural areas as well as cities, so you won’t miss out if you live off of the beaten path.

HughesNet Speeds Are Faster Than Dial-Up

No matter which plan you select, all HughesNet plans come with 25 Mbps download speeds. These speeds are enough for doing everything you love online, including streaming video and browsing the web. 

With a HughesNet plan, your bandwidth is all your own, so you also won’t need to worry about shared bandwidth with any neighboring users. 

Plans to Fit Your Lifestyle

Satellite Internet typically costs more than DSL or fiber connections, this is because satellites are expensive machines. However, HughesNet packs a lot of value into its lower-data plans. 

Several Data Plan Options

HughesNet’s five data plan options each have download speeds up to 25 Mbps. They’re transparent and easy to understand because each plan is named for its data cap.

HughesNet offers the following plans:

  • 10 GB plan
  • 20 GB plan
  • 30 GB plan
  • 50 GB plan

From plan to plan, all that changes are the data caps, speed doesn’t vary.

HughesNet Prices

The plans above range in price from $59.99 a month (10 GB) to $150.00 a month (50 GB). The plans between cost $69.99 a month (20 GB) and $99.99 a month (30 GB). Each comes with the same 25 Mbps download speeds. 

Is HughesNet Available in My Area?

As we mentioned before, as a satellite provider, HughesNet is available pretty much anywhere with a view of the southern sky, where the satellite transmitting services are located. Also serviced by HughesNet are Brazil, India, and some parts of Europe.

Here are the top 6 cities for HughesNet in the US:

1. Houston

Coverage available to: 2,906,700 people

Primary Internet Service zip codes served: 7700177002770037700477005 (Harris County)

If you’re a resident of Houston, you’re aware of how many possibilities are available to you in this charming town. HughesNet has made even more of these possibilities a reality by servicing almost three million customers in your area with high-speed Internet.

2. Chicago

Coverage available to: 2,680,484 people

Primary Internet Service zip codes served: 6060160602606036060460605 (Cook County)

HughesNet can instantly connect you to the Internet, whether you live in the town of Chicago or on the outskirts of the city. Using new technology, HughesNet can deliver consistent speeds to you no matter where you live or work in the city.

3. Brooklyn

Coverage available to: 2,504,700 people

Primary Internet Service zip codes served: 1120111202112031120411205 (Kings County)

Residents of Kings County can enjoy state-of-the-art satellite Internet technology. With HughesNet in Brooklyn, communication is transmitted in a fraction of a second.

4. Los Angeles

Coverage available to: 2,378,448 people

Primary Internet Service zip codes served: 9000190002900039000490005 (Los Angeles County)

Before HughesNet serviced Los Angeles, residents had to rely on older DSL technology or slow dial-up connections. Now, you can have 25 Mbps download speeds delivered directly to your Los Angeles County home or business.

5. Miami

Coverage available to: 1,723,766 people

Primary Internet Service zip codes served: 3310133102331073311033111 (Miami-Dade County)

Fast HughesNet satellite internet service is not limited to customers based in Miami. Coverage is also available across Miami-Dade county, including Hialeah, Homestead, and Key Biscayne cities.

6. San Antonio

Coverage available to: 1,585,405 people

Primary zip codes served: 7820178202782037820478205 (Bexar County)

If you live in San Antonio, you’ll be happy to know that HughesNet offers 25 Mbps in 70 zip codes across Bexar County. This includes the cities of Adkins, Atascosa, and Converse.

Take Advantage of HughesNet Internet Speeds in Your Area

HughesNet offers dependable satellite internet priced only for what you need. 

Whether you live far out in the country or in a densely populated city, HughesNet has a plan for you. You now know the answer to Is HughesNet available in my area? is yes.

We're here to help you find the best Internet deals in your area. We’ve compiled information on all HughesNet packages and HughesNet promotions, so you don’t have to. It’s time to pick your plan!