Are you tired of overpaying for TV and internet?
You're not alone.
In fact, the average household pays over $200 per month for these services. But what if I told you there's a way to save big without sacrificing quality? This guide to shopping around for TV and internet providers will show you how.
From negotiating with your current provider to finding hidden deals, we’ll explore all the tips and tricks you need to lower your monthly bill.
The best part? Some of these principles apply to other budget busters (i.e. your cell phone provider). Don't waste another dollar on overpriced services. Learn how to be a savvy shopper and start saving today.
Score Big Savings: A Guide to Shopping Around for TV and Internet Providers
The first step is easy: take inventory.
Gather all of your bills, including your current TV and internet package, and make note of the services you're paying for, as well as the cost.
You might be surprised to find you're paying for channels or services you don't even use. On average, people can save up to $20 a month by cutting out unnecessary services.
Take inventory and trim the fat, it's the first step towards a leaner, more affordable bill.
Here are some things to watch out for:
- Are there any premium channels you don’t use? Cable package costs are based not only on the number of channels on each package but the “tier” of the channels included. Premium channels such as HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz come at a premium cost. If you don’t watch these channels, then consider downgrading to another cable package.
- What’s your internet speed? What’s your internet usage? Internet packages are usually based on internet download and upload speeds. If you don’t have multiple devices running at once or if you don’t need a lot of bandwidth, this could be a potential area where you can save money.
- Do you know exactly what you’re paying for? Many cable and internet providers bundle services together, making it difficult to understand exactly what you're paying for. Be sure to review your bills carefully and ask your provider to explain any charges that you don't understand. You may find that you're paying for services or equipment that you no longer need or use.
Taking inventory on these points it’s critical because you can use this information to update your cable and internet package to a plan that’s a better fit for your family.
Even if you decide to switch providers, knowing this information will help you choose the right plan.
Compare Plan Features, Pricing, and Promotions
The second step after taking inventory of your current TV and internet package is to research your options.
Take the time to compare different packages and prices from different providers.
Look for deals and promotions that are currently available, but also make sure to consider the long-term costs.
You can use online tools such as comparison websites, or you can contact providers directly to learn about the packages and deals they offer. This step will help you understand what options are available and what packages best fit your needs and budget.
Some great tools to compare prices and plans include:
- Cable Compare: This allows you to compare TV and internet packages from different providers by zip code.
- Broadband Now: Provides a comprehensive directory of internet service providers by address and includes information on pricing, speed, and availability.
- Whistle Out: Offers a search tool that allows you to compare prices and plans for internet, TV, and phone services from different providers. While Whistle Out focuses on both cable and internet, their true specialty is comparing internet and mobile plans.
- Consumer Reports: Offers a wealth of information on internet and TV providers, including user ratings and reviews, as well as expert analysis. This is an especially good tool to research smaller providers (such as local and regional companies).
Make a list of the options in your area.
This will prepare you for the final step in securing the best cable and internet deal for your family.
How to Negotiate Before Switching
One of the best ways to save money on your TV and internet bill is to negotiate with your current provider.
Call your current provider and ask if they have any promotions or deals currently available. Be sure to mention that you're considering switching providers. Many providers will offer discounts or promotions to retain existing customers (it’s cheaper for companies to keep current customers than acquire new ones), so it's worth asking if they have any current deals or if they can offer a lower price.
For example, let's say your current internet package is 100Mbps at $70 a month. After researching the options, you find a similar package from another provider for $60 a month. You can call your current provider and mention that you found a similar package for $60 a month and ask if they can match the offer or offer any discounts.
It's important to be polite but firm during the negotiation. If you're not satisfied with the offer, don't be afraid to shop around for a better deal.
Remember, your current provider wants to keep you as a customer, so they may be willing to work with you to keep your business. By being prepared, researching your options, and being polite but firm during the negotiation, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars on your TV and internet bill.
Do you have other tips on how to save money on TV and internet? Let us know in the comments section below! For more money saving insights, we encourage you to join the TBM Family on Facebook!
