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.
29 March, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
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.
1. Threaten to Leave
2. Consider a Lower Speed Plan
3. Buy Your Own Modem
4. Switch Providers
5. Constantly Monitor Local Deals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the top Internet Service Providers in San Antonio tailored for seamless connectivity to your smart devices. Compare speeds, reliability & prices
03 October, 2023 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
With almost 30 billion IoT devices in use worldwide and 90% of Americans owning a smart device, this convenience comes with an inbuilt problem...
All those smart devices in our homes need a brisk internet connection to bring out the best in them. From your video doorbell and security lights to your voice-controlled smart TV and WiFi thermostat, all these devices demand seamless WiFi connectivity.
When you’re searching for ISPs, you should consider whether regular WiFi will suffice or if you need a faster fiber connection. Take the amount of data you need into account and choose an unlimited package if necessary.
Beyond this and as a general rule of thumb, avoid the very cheapest bundles as they typically won’t give you the speeds and reliability you need for a household packed with smart devices.
Rather than confusing you with a wide array of choices, we’ve got two suggestions for you if you want quick, dependable home WiFi:
AT&T
Spectrum
If you’re looking for gigabit-speed internet and you don’t mind committing to a one-year contract, have you considered AT&T? The number one US internet provider for customer service and overall satisfaction, this ISP is well worth considering if you have a home stuffed with smart tech.
With DSL plans, you could be stuck with slower download speeds. Fiber packages, though, offer speeds of 940 Mbps if available in your area.
If you’re a data monster, you should avoid those DSL connections as they come with a data cap.
Speeds to 100 Mbps
Cheap modem and router rental fees
Impressive and responsive customer care
You’ll need to commit to a one-year contract
Are you resistant to the idea of locking yourself into a contract for home internet? Well, with Spectrum you don’t need to. Cancel at any time with no prohibitive early redemption fees.
Packages come with a free modem and anti-virus software so you can keep your home network fully secured. This is vital if you plan to install smart devices. As an aside, you should regularly reset your router if you’re using smart devices to protect yourself against malware.
Add streaming services to your internet connection for a complete package. Internet speeds are close to gigabit territory so you can easily accommodate a suite of smart kit.
Super-swift speeds to 940 Mbps
One-hour installation window
Streaming services available
Limited availability of 940 Mbps speeds
All that counts when you’re looking for the best internet providers for smart devices is finding the smoothest fit for you and your ecosystem. If you live alone and have just a smart doorbell, you won’t have the same priorities as a large family with heavy download habits and a sprawling connected home.
So, think about speed as well as contract length and any penalty charges. Make sure any data caps in place are acceptable or seek all-you-can-eat packages if you don’t want those restrictions.
We would suggest starting your search with AT&T or Spectrum but you should also consider any other options with a solid reputation in your area.
Get all these things right and you’ll have no problem finding the best internet provider for your needs.
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.
25 March, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Business Internet, Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, TV | No Comments
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.
You won’t be tied into a restrictive contract
Super-swift downloads with speeds nudging 1000 Mbps in some areas
Take advantage of one-hour installation window to save waiting around all day
Streaming service available if you have a Spectrum internet connection
Spectrum offer robust business plans for less than you might imagine
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Considering a switch to AT&T TV but not sure how it stacks up against other providers? Explore important factors to consider in our comprehensive review.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Streaming | No Comments
Did you know that 2018 marked the first time the number of scripted original TV shows on streaming services surpassed those on basic cable or broadcast? Or, that more American consumers now pay for a streaming service than a traditional pay-television subscription?
If you haven't gotten into the streaming game, now's the time to get started. Of course, with more than 200 streaming services to choose from, getting going can feel intimidating.
You'll also need fast internet, a smart TV, gaming console, and streaming device. Or, you can go with AT&T TV and avoid all of this hassle.
Of course, you'll pay more for the convenience. There are other factors you'll need to think about before getting into a contract with this "gateway" streaming service, too.
Read on for our full breakdown of AT&T TV and whether or not it's right for you.
Did you know that AT&T comes with the best channel lineup of any streaming service? Or, that it boasts an enormous on-demand library and up to 500 hours of DVR storage? If these sound like compelling benefits to you, it's time to consider a switch.
That said, AT&T TV isn't right for everybody. For starters, it's more expensive than other streaming services, and it requires a minimum two-year contract.
If money isn't an object for you, and you don't mind a little commitment when it comes to your streaming services, however, then it might be your golden ticket.
What to Know About This Live TV Streaming Service
The first thing to understand about AT&T TV is that it bridges the gap between traditional cable services and today's streaming services. Besides requiring a two-year contract, the services increases between $30 and $50 per month in the second year. This price increase feels an awful lot like those sneaky practices we all once complained about with cable.
If you're looking for the best all-around channel lineup available on streaming, though, and can get over the sticker shock, then you probably won't care two hoots about the price jump in year two. Especially if you're forewarned and know it's coming.
Talk About Storage!
What's the frosting on the cake when it comes to AT&T TV? Five-hundred hours of DVR storage.
That's hard to pass up if you like to binge-watch new series. And who doesn't fall into this category right now?
If you're looking to economize and lower your monthly bill, then don't stop at AT&T TV. That said, if you're fed up with your current sad lineup of channels and want to spice things up a bit, AT&T's your service.
What's more, during year one, you'll enjoy a $50 per month special rate on their base package. That's nothing to sneeze at, considering all you receive with this package.
Sorting out AT&T's TV Products
AT&T has crafted five television products with names so similar it can get confusing. They include AT&T Watch TV and AT&T NOW. See what we mean?
Except for Watch TV, these packages also look very similar. You could even make the argument that they're essentially re-packaged versions of one another.
Nonetheless, you must understand the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between these three main packages before signing up. Let's do a quick dive into the differences between AT&T Watch TV, AT&T TV NOW, and AT&T TV.
Unlike AT&T TV, AT&T Watch TV is the cheapest TV streaming service available, just $15 per month. From its limited channels to its frustrating mobile experience, you get what you pay for.
Although it offers some new channels and a decent lineup for the price, don't hold your breath when it comes to sports or local channels. You can only enjoy one stream at a time, and there's no cloud DVR storage.
Nonetheless, if all you're after is cheap streaming TV, this package has you covered.
What is AT&T TV NOW?
As for AT&T TV NOW? It represents a step up from AT&T Watch TV. Every plan includes HBO, which is fantastic for Westworld and Big Little Lies fans. It also has every local channel and supports three simultaneous streams.
It comes with 500 hours of DVR storage, but that's where the similarities to AT&T TV stop. Not only is it pricey (with seven packages ranging from $65 to $135 per month), but it features one of the worst channel lineups in streaming.
Sports fans should steer clear of this package as should Roku users. In essence, the best thing it has going for it is HBO. If that's not a must-have for you, then you'd do better to move along to AT&T TV.
So, what is AT&T TV? The latest live TV streaming service from the telecom mega-corporation. Although it contains some traditional cable package features, it still comes with the advantages of a streaming service.
It boasts a 4K streaming device at no extra charge. In theory, this equipment gives you television access to nearly every streaming app around. Despite the hype, though, many users still swear by other streaming devices like Amazon's Fire TV Stick or Roku.
To save a little money with AT&T TV and sweeten the deal, consider bundling your streaming contract with their internet service. Of course, you can also purchase it separately if you have an internet provider you swear by.
Like AT&T's other plans (except for DIRECTV), AT&T TV works by streaming live over the internet and onto your home screen. Its unique selling point remains the streaming device included with all packages. Remember, though, that you can also use the AT&T TV app on the streaming device or your smart TV.
AT&T’s two-year contract flies in the face of all other live streaming services, which remain month-to-month affairs. Like cable companies, the fees nearly double during your second year, so think carefully before signing up.
Of course, if you do go with a cable streaming services contract, make it AT&T TV. Why? Because you'll get your money's worth when it comes to the superior channel lineup.
What fees will you incur if you sign up for the contract and then decide it's not for you? You'll have to pay the $15 per month fee until your contract's up. There's also a $19.95 activation fee. However, you can get this waived when you sign up online.
What if you'd like more than one DVR? AT&T charges $10 per month for 12 months for every extra receiver you order.
What is AT&T TV's Channel Selection?
What does the channel lineup look like? The telecom giant's high-end streaming service comes with four options:
Entertainment includes all of your favorite channels from Animal Planet to National Geographic, Discovery to Food Network. The other packages build from there, culminating with the Ultimate package and its Starz MSNBC offerings.
What channels won't you get?
That’s an extremely short list. In other words, with AT&T TV, you gain access to just about every channel you could hope of watching.
What about premium networks? They represent the weak link in AT&T's offer.
You'll enjoy one premium channel for free for the first three months. After that, expect to pay $54 per month to add HBO, Showtime, EPIX, and Starz.
To sum it up, AT&T TV is by no means a cheap streaming TV option. No matter what you want to watch, however, you'll have access to it with this plan.
Streaming TV Services Comparison
Comparing AT&T TV to other TV streaming services, based on the most popular channels, underscores its stellar lineup. When considering the top 25 channels everyone wants, it boasts 21 of the 25 as opposed to runners up Hulu and fubo TV with 19.
When comparing the top 50 channels, AT&T TV has 40 as opposed to runner up fubo TV at 37. As for the top 100 channels people most want? AT&T TV provides 61 as opposed to fubo TV's 57.
What's the takeaway? AT&T TV contains the most extensive selection of both niche channels and top-end channels available through streaming. Of course, if it's premium channels that you're after, you may want to think again.
Sports Fans Will Pay
Some sports fans may also feel less than impressed. You can only access the channels that play local MLB, NHL, and NBA games through the Choice plan (starting at $87.50 per month) and the higher plans.
The package is also lacking a handful of channels that air national games from major American sports leagues such as NFL Network. That translates into five missed Thursday Night Football games in 2019 alone.
Again, like all things with AT&T, if you're willing to pay for one of the higher packages, you'll end up with the best sports line up available.
Overall User Experience
Besides channel selection, one of the other fantastic features of AT&Ts latest TV streaming proposition is that it streamlines everything. The company provides you with every piece of equipment that you'll need, including:
The streaming device is roughly the size of a portable CD player, and the remote allows you to quickly flip back and forth from Netflix to the big game. No need to deal with switching TV inputs or wrangling remote controls.
For those experienced with streaming, this may not prove compelling enough for a switch. If you're brand new to the game, however, you'll appreciate the ease of this self-contained design.
The interface is even organized by on-demand content, live channels, and separate streaming apps such as Netflix (not included in the package).
If you're rating user experience based on intuitive design and navigation, then AT&T has a winner with this product. As both a streaming device and a streaming service, it features a much smoother learning curve than other services.
The Internet Speeds Required for AT&T TV
For optimal results and uninterrupted streaming, AT&T suggests having a minimum of 8 Mbps of download speeds.
That said, if you're planning on streaming 4K content, you'll need a speedier service. For comparison, Netflix suggests approximately 25 Mbps to support its 4K Ultra HD TV streaming service.
Not sure how fast your current internet is? Check out the best internet speed test sites to find out.
How does AT&T TV perform with other internet providers such as HughesNet and Viasat Satellite?
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider powered by the world's highest-capacity broadband satellite. Customers enjoy speeds of 25 Mbps on every plan, making their service suitable for 4K streaming with AT&T TV. However, other providers like Viasat offer faster service.
Viasat Satellite has a well-established reputation when it comes to providing high-speed satellite internet to homes across the US. They offer plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which ensures optimal TV streaming. Of course, you'll pay for these faster speeds.
Not sure whether HughesNet or Viasat is right for you? Check out our full comparison of these two providers and their packages.
What to Know Before Committing to AT&T TV
When it's all said and done, AT&T TV provides a compelling product if you're looking for just about every channel you can get your hands on and don't mind paying extra. Overall, its user experience proves satisfactory.
For individuals new to live TV streaming, the service also goes the extra mile by providing all necessary equipment and otherwise streamlining the service. AT&T TV even proves user-friendly in terms of the interface. You will, however, pay for this product and commit to a two-year contract.
Are you ready to find the best internet deals in your area? If so, we've got you covered. Contact us to see how we can help.
Keeping you up to date with High Speed Broadband Internet Providers updates news and information.
17 February, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Apps, Business Internet, Cable, Entertainment, Gaming, Deals & Packages, News, Reviews, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology, This & That, Tips, TV | No Comments
February 10, 2020
02/10/2020
Hey there Internet Explorers! Here are some quick hits about what is going on in the world of broadband internet, satellite internet and internet service providers.
· The Broadband Space Race is on:
o Last Thursday, February 6, 2020, a rocket was sent into space with the intent of changing up the landscape of what internet providers can offer from a speed and availability standpoint. No its not AT&T, Comcast (Xfinity), Spectrum or some other big cable company trying to dominate the airwaves. Instead, the rocket was equipped with several of hundreds of satellites to be deployed by OneWeb Satellite and SpaceX. The goal of this and future launches is to cast a web of hundreds of satellites circling the globe aimed at giving high speed 5G internet access to each and every person on the planet. Believe it or not, there are still rural parts of the United States that have very little access to high speed internet. These folks have had to resort to satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat to be able to provide them internet access. Not to be outdone, HughesNet and Viasat are planning to harness the power of their existing network as well as new innovations to ensure they stay on top of the satellite internet game. More on that to come in the near future…
· Not as many people have Access to High Speed Internet as previously thought:
o According to a PC Magazine article It looks like the FCC may have botched how it reported the number of Americans who have access to broadband high speed internet. Believe it or not the article states over 42 million people don’t have internet fast enough to stream their favorite shows on Netflix.
· Rural Digital Opportunity Fund:
o Yaaay! Faster internet for all. In January 2020, the FCC decided to allocate over 10 Billion in funding to help provide fast internet to the rest of the United States. The Rural Digital Opportunity fund will create jobs, opportunity and most important of all the ability of all Americans to be able to binge watch their shows on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.
· Down goes Spectrum:
o Spectrum High Speed Internet television and phone service came to an abrupt halt over the weekend leaving many of their customers upset, frustrated and disconnected from the online world. This affected areas of New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and various other cities and states on the North East Coast. It seems as though bad weather was to blame. I just hope those customers had their DVR’s filled or old DVD’s to help pass the time trapped in their homes.
