With the majority of homes covered by only one cable company, it’s important to shop around for a new provider. Fortunately, LocalCableDeals has put together an easy-to-use tool that allows you to compare nationwide availability, package deals and add-on options from TV and internet providers in your area.
In order to make a good choice, you need to consider the price, channels, and service quality of your options. We’ve done the research and compared all cable companies to find out which ones offer the best value for your money.
Price
The cost of cable TV can vary significantly based on location, equipment and service type. To help you navigate this complex arena, we’ve rounded up the best rates in your area from the biggest names in the business.
A few key factors will influence your bill, including whether you are a new customer or an existing one. Many companies offer promotions that can cut your costs by a few dollars a month.
In addition, cable companies have gotten smarter about bundling services and offering free months on select packages to sweeten the deal. The most notable drawback is that these deals are not available to everyone, so you will need to shop around and compare offers before making your decision.
Aside from the price of your TV and Internet service, you should also consider how much you spend on extras like high-speed internet, movie rentals, home security and more. It’s important to be savvy about your choices and don’t let the bill get out of hand.
Channels
Most cable companies offer a basic tier of channels, including local broadcast TV stations and public access (PEG) channels. These include local sports and news programs, educational shows, and other programming that’s available in most areas of the country.
Some cable systems will also carry premium cable channels, such as HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ, that require subscribers to sign up for their services. Unlike broadcast TV channels, these channels do not use public airwaves to transmit their programs, but instead rely on ad revenue.
These channels are subject to FCC rules that protect consumers and broadcasters alike. They often carry a limited amount of original programming, supplemented by re-airings and acquired content.
Customer Service
When choosing a cable provider, you want to ensure that their customer service is excellent. This includes making it easy to reach representatives, answering questions promptly, and generally being available at all times of the day or night. Verizon Fios was the top-ranked company for this, with 81% of their customers indicating they had a satisfying customer experience. Other top performers include DIRECTV, Spectrum, Cox, and DISH. Conclusion: Customer service is important because it can be the difference between a satisfied or unsatisfied customer.
