Could Many Be Overpaying for TV and Internet?

If you’ve been using the same old TV and internet service for years, you may be paying too much. Switching to a new competitor or signing up for a more modern package could result in substantial reductions to your monthly bill. There are many great companies out there offering some fantastic packages with very affordable pricing.

The Cable Company Situation

Some US cable companies have become quite sneaky over the years. They know that people are busy and many do not have time to compare prices or find a better deal. This is obvious when you see the extra fees that they keep tacking on. As Business Insider reports, there are over one dozen ways that cable companies sneak in extra fees and make users pay more than they were initially quoted. In fact, steadily escalating prices is an important part of many cable companies’ business models.⁴ The thing is that you as the customer just want high-quality TV and internet, not extra fees.

Here are some easy ways to make sure you’re paying a fair price for the monthly cable and internet bills.

Try Price Shopping to Get a Better Deal

Cable companies do have major reductions and package deals available, you just need to be patient and watch out for them. Compare all of the different options and price packages with as many providers in your area you can find, taking into consideration the amount of TV channels as well as internet speeds you will need.

Many of the best deals are reserved for first-time customers who are just signing up, but this can make it the perfect time to consider transitioning over to one of the many cable and internet providers who are offering cheaper prices in today’s market. In many cases, looking online can be very effective for finding some of the best offers of the moment.

Negotiate

While many of us don’t like to negotiate, it’s one of the most effective ways to pay less on your tv and internet bills. If you think you’re paying too much or there’s a competitor you’re thinking of switching to, call your existing provider and ask if they can come down on the price. If they can’t, let them know you’re thinking of switching to their competitor. It’s important for many providers to retain their customers, and they will often lower their pricing or offer extra perks in order to get you to stay.

If you’re signing up for a new provider, it’s also worth trying to negotiate. As mentioned, many providers will offer special promotions for new customers. While these promotions are often advertised on the provider’s website, some may be hidden. This is where negotiation comes in. Call up the provider and tell them you’re thinking of signing up for their services but wanted to know if they had any special offers for new customers. The potential savings could definitely be worth it.

Don’t Pay for What Isn’t Used

One of the easiest ways to overpay on cable and internet is to pay for services that aren’t required. Are you paying for a DVR that you haven’t used in 5 years? Maybe there are channels that you’ve never watched that are increasing your bills. Or maybe you’re getting internet that’s about five times faster than you need. If you’re really looking to get the most for your money, carefully evaluate what you’re paying for. When you switch to a new provider or negotiate with your existing one, you can cut out the things you aren’t using and hopefully save big on the monthly bills.

Getting the Best Offer Possible

Unfortunately, there is no one perfect cable and internet provider. Every local area has different providers and offers available to them. That’s why it’s so important to do your own research. A quick online search can reveal your local providers along with their various packages and pricing. This is the perfect starting point.

In today’s day and age there is simply no need to pay more than is necessary for cable and internet services. It’s time to get started and see what great new offers await.