10 Simple Steps to Choose the Best Cable Provider for Your Home
The price of cable has skyrocketed over the course of the last few years. In fact, a study that was conducted in 2016 revealed that cable prices have risen at four times the rate of inflation with the average price of cable now standing at around $100 per month. With that in mind, you’re going to want to look for the best cable provider possible before you sign up for cable service in your area.
The good news is that there are several cable companies in most cities and towns across the U.S., which gives people an opportunity to find the one that will work best for them. People can consider everything from price to channel selection prior to making a commitment and choosing their cable provider.
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10 simple steps you should take when choosing the best cable provider
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Figure Out Your Cable Budget
Before you start your search for the best cable provider in your area, you should sit down and figure out exactly how much you’re willing to pay for cable.
Is $50 your limit? $100? $200?
Your budget is, to a large degree, going to determine which cable providers will be best for you. So, before you start digging too deep into the different cable companies in your area, you should have a budget in mind.
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See Which Cable Providers Operate in Your Area
After you have created your budget, it will be time for you to put together a list of the different cable companies in your city or town.
Most places offer at least two or three options for people. There is a chance you might not have much a choice if you live in a small town, but it’s worth at investigating which cable providers can set you up with service.
You can use the internet to look for cable providers in my area.
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Research Each Cable Company
Once you have generated a list of cable companies, you can start looking around for the best cable provider.
You should take your time and see what each cable company has to offer. Some will carry certain channels that others won’t.
Your goal should be to come up with a list of pros and cons for each cable provider so that you can make a decision as far as which one you want to use.
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Think About Which Cable Channels You Need to Have
The average American only watches about 20 cable channels every year even though they have access to more than 200 of them.
Which channels do you really need to watch with your cable service?
You should make a list of the ones that appeal most to you and then make sure that you check to see if cable providers in your area have them. You should also think long and hard about whether or not you need to have certain channels.
You could end up paying way more than you have to for cable service if you insist on having specific channels. So, make sure it’s worth it before you go with what you think is the best cable provider.
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Consider Packaging Cable Service With Internet and Phone Services
Are you planning on getting internet and phone services along with your cable service?
There are many cable providers that will offer bundle deals for cable, internet, and phone, and in most cases, you’ll save a lot of money by packaging all three together.
If you’re going to get internet and phone service anyway, why not do it through a company equipped to provide them for you? Just make sure the cable provider offers internet that is fast enough for you and your family.
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Call Cable Providers and Ask About Their Deals
Most cable companies will jump through hoops to try and convince new customers to sign up for service through them.
They’ll knock the price of their services down substantially and even throw in premium channels for free if they have to.
You should call each cable provider that interests you in your area and ask about the deals they have for new customers. Most companies will be so desperate to get your business that they’ll give you just about anything you want.
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Negotiate With the Cable Company You Like Best
After you have found the best cable provider for your home, you should call the company and see if they would be willing to budge on their price at all.
Even if they’ve already agreed to give you a great deal and throw in a bunch of bonus features, you still might be able to get a better price for your cable service.
You don’t have to be a particularly good negotiator to get a good deal, either. Most times, all you need to do is ask and a cable company will knock at least a few dollars off your monthly bill.
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Take a Close Look at the Fine Print
At this point, you’re just about ready to sign on the dotted line and tell a cable company that you want them to come and install your cable for you.
But wait! There’s still one last thing to do.
A cable company should be able to provide you with a contract that you can check out before you make your final decision. You should scan that contract closely to make sure you agree with everything in it.
Lots of cable providers will try to trick consumers by offering low introductory rates and then hitting them with higher bills later. Make sure you pay close attention to how long your contract will run for and how the price of cable will increase over time.
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Schedule a Time to Install Your Cable
If you feel as though you have found the best cable provider, you can go ahead and schedule a time for cable installation.
Make sure you ask your cable installer any questions you might have about your service. Installers are usually more than willing to give you the rundown on how your cable works.
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Be on the Lookout for Better Cable Deals in the Future
Even if you’re satisfied with your cable service and happy to have found the best cable provider, you shouldn’t ever stop looking out for good deals on cable.
At some point, your cable bill is going to go up, and at that point, you should use your leverage to try and bring it back down. If you’re willing to walk from your current cable company to try a new one, you old one will usually provide you with incentives to stay.
You should also monitor what services other cable companies add. Technology is always changing, and you could end up missing out on something if you stick with the same cable provider forever.
Sign Up With the Best Cable Provider Today
You could be wasting quite a bit of money if you aren’t signed up with the best cable provider in your area.
Do your research and find a better deal, and you could put $1,000 or more into your pocket every year.
Read our blog for more tips on saving money.
