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Introductory Cable Deal Is Over

TV Choices

For the last year, I've had an introductory bundle from Comcast that included phone, TV and Internet. That deal is about to expire. I paid $99 last year. Now it's up to $150, which I cannot afford. I will have to switch providers. Has anyone had good experience with DirecTV or satellite (dish?) or another provider? (or bad experiences, for that matter).
Thanks as always,
Seaturtle

Happy with DirecTV

I live in a very rural area and not able to get cable. I have been a subscriber to DirecTV for nine years and love the surface. There are various packages you can choose depending on your preference for shows that you like to watch. The plans start as low as $29.99 depending on the package you select. I do not subscribe to the movie channels. I just wait until there is a free weekend and then I watch the movies I want to see. They have been running specials where you can get service for four rooms with free standard installation. The programming for the first receiver is free, for each additional receiver, the charge is $4.99 per month per receiver depending on how many TV's you have. I would suggest that you go to DirecTV.com and check out all that is offered. I would deal with DirecTV directly and not go through a local middleman. DirecTV will send out a technician to install the satellite dish and get everything set up. I would also suggest the service protection plan for $5.99 per month, which allows you to have your dish and receivers repaired or replaced if you have a problem at no additional cost.
Karen

Minimize Services Needed

If you have a separate cell phone, consider doing away with your home phone and TV service entirely. Use the Internet to keep up with all your TV programs and just pay for Internet service. Use your cell as your only phone.
Butch

Discover a World Outside of Cable TV

When cable got too expensive, I gave it up. I have a DVD and VCR and rent from Netflix! and get films and TV shows free at the library. Netflix costs me $15 a month and even has on demand via my laptop. I've not only discovered movies and TV shows I would not have watched on TV, but also I get out of the house more, attending local events for free or low cost. With the money I saved, I even joined a local gym and swim three nights a week, which I "couldn't afford" when I paid $50+ a month for cable TV.
Carrie

Did You Ask for a Better Price?

Dealing with Comcast in the past, when I was considering switching providers, I got another offer and then proceeded to call Comcast. After I told them what my offer was and that I was considering changing to another provider, they then made me a much better offer for the next year. It's worth a try!
Jean

We Like Dish Network

We use Dish Network and only pay about $65 a month, but they are raising their rates. We just received notice yesterday. Check them out. We have been very happy with this service.
Laura

Not Worth the Hassle

We have Charter Communications for our cable provider and expiring package deals is one of the things that drives me nuts. As soon as one package expires, our bill goes up quite a lot. Then I have to call and try and renegotiate a new package or eliminate some of the stuff we get. Usually, they won't let you jump from one promotional package to another. You have to eliminate something for a couple of weeks or a month, then you can get a new package deal. Personally, I would prefer to just get fair pricing all the time and not have to go through all that hassle. If you are getting premium channels, they are the easiest things to drop until you can get a new package promotion. My suggestion is to call them up and see what you can get. Just tell them you can't afford to pay the increased price. Often, the people who work the phones will find you a good deal.
Linda in Richland, WA

Lost Picture Frustration

I had the Dish Network a few years back. Here in Florida in the summer time, we have a lot of quick rainstorms and some not so quick. I found that during almost every rain, I would lose the satellite. That became very frustrating. I now have cable and it may cost just a bit more, but I do not lose the picture when it is raining.
Sandi P. in Florida

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