Stop Overpaying For Cable TV With These Simple Money Saving Tips

Cable TV has been around in the US since the 1940s. Basic packages are available for free, with the signal being sent without any encryption – so as long as you have a device that can receive cable, you don’t have to pay anything extra. ‘Pay TV’ is the term used for packages where you pay a monthly amount, and you get other channels as well – these could be movies, sports or others.

What does a contract mean?

If you subscribe to cable TV then it means you pay an agreed monthly amount in return for access to the channels you want to watch. Prices may vary according to the number and type of channels you choose. Costs can go up to $100 or more a month, but can also be as low as $10-$20 for 20 channels. Contracts are generally for 2 years (24 months).

Providers

The big providers include Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Verizon and AT&T. There are also other, smaller cable providers available. Not all providers are available in all areas – you will need to go to the relevant site or price comparison tool, and check if there are cable lines in your neighborhood.

Alternatives

Streaming programmes via subscription services like Netflix and devices like Apple TV are the big new thing, though it depends on having a reasonably fast internet connection. If you don’t have this, satellite TV is another option for you. DirecTV is a well-known satellite TV provider that shares many channels and networks with the cable TV providers. However, for most people cable normally wins out as a TV service – mainly because the DVR boxes are very functional (and not prone to the same issues as streaming), and it’s usually available at a competitive price.