How to Save Money on TV and Internet

Rising costs for television and internet services challenge many households. Various practical strategies exist to help consumers reduce monthly bills and make informed financial decisions that align with their financial goals.

Assessing Your Current Services and Usage

Reviewing current service bills is a fundamental step to reduce TV and internet expenses. Examine each line item to identify all charges, fees, and the duration of any promotional pricing. Additional costs like broadcast TV fees, regional sports fees, equipment rental charges, and various regulatory or administrative surcharges can inflate the total monthly payment.

Assess your actual usage patterns for both television and internet services. Consider which television channels you regularly watch and if any premium packages are utilized. For internet, evaluate typical download and upload speeds needed for household activities such as streaming high-definition content, online gaming, or remote work, especially when multiple users are active. Many providers advertise high speeds, but households often do not need the fastest tiers.

Identify services or features paid for but rarely or never used, such as extra channel packs, digital video recorder (DVR) services, or internet speed tiers that exceed your actual needs. Understanding what you pay for and how much of it you genuinely use helps identify areas for potential reduction. This step provides the necessary data to inform subsequent cost-saving actions.

Strategies for Reducing Costs with Existing Providers

After assessing your services and usage, contact your existing provider’s customer service or retention department. This can often lead to significant savings. Prepare for this conversation by having information on competitor offers available in your area. This demonstrates your awareness of market rates and provides leverage for negotiation.

When speaking with a representative, state your current bill is too high and you are exploring options to reduce costs. You might mention competitor pricing or the possibility of canceling your service to prompt more favorable offers. Retention departments offer deals like loyalty discounts or promotional rates to encourage customers to remain with the company. Some providers may offer to lower your rate if you agree to a new contract term.

Communicate your usage assessment, arguing for a lower rate or a more suitable plan based on your actual needs. If you discovered you rarely use certain high-cost channels, request to downgrade your television package. If your internet speed is excessive for your household’s activities, inquire about a lower-tier plan that still meets your requirements. After any agreement is reached, ensure you receive confirmation of the new rates and terms, and verify that your next bill reflects these changes.

Exploring Alternative Providers and Services

Researching alternative TV and internet providers in your geographic area can uncover substantial savings. Identify all available providers and their plan offerings, including internet speeds, channel lineups, and pricing structures. Online comparison tools or direct inquiries to providers help gather this information. Comparing these options identifies plans that offer similar or better services at a lower cost than your current arrangement.

Consider bundling services, where a single provider offers both TV and internet, versus purchasing them separately. While bundling can result in discounts, unbundling and selecting the best value for each service from different providers might lead to greater overall savings. Evaluate the terms of any bundled packages, as promotional rates often increase significantly after an initial period.

Cutting the cord from traditional cable television offers significant savings. Alternatives include various streaming services, which can be subscription-based (like popular on-demand platforms) or ad-supported and free (such as Pluto TV or Tubi). A digital antenna can access local broadcast channels without a monthly fee, typically costing between $20 and $40.

Once you decide to switch, understand the process for initiating service with a new provider, which may involve scheduling installation appointments or porting phone numbers if applicable. Understand your current provider’s cancellation policy, especially regarding any early termination fees, before making the transition. Careful planning ensures a smooth transition and avoids unexpected charges.

Utilizing Your Own Equipment and Assistance Programs

Purchasing and utilizing your own modem and router rather than renting equipment from your internet service provider can achieve significant savings. Most providers charge a monthly rental fee for these devices, typically ranging from $10 to $15, which can accumulate to $120 to $180 annually. While the upfront cost of purchasing a modem can average around $127, and a modem-router combo may range from $50 to $350, this investment often pays for itself within one to two years.

Check your provider’s list of approved devices for compatibility before making a purchase. Setup involves connecting the new equipment and activating it with your provider, often through an online portal or a brief phone call. Owning your equipment provides greater control over your home network and can potentially offer better performance or features compared to standard rental units.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative that provided discounts on internet service, stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024, with its benefits projected to end around April 2024. The ACP offered a discount of up to $30 per month for internet service to eligible households, with higher discounts for those on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligibility included households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or those participating in certain assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.

The Lifeline program remains available for ongoing assistance, providing a discount on phone or internet service to qualifying low-income consumers. Some internet service providers may also offer their own low-income programs or discounted plans that align with similar eligibility criteria. Households seeking support should inquire directly with providers about any available assistance options or check for updates on future federal or state programs.