How to Negotiate Your Cable TV Bill (2024)

FAQs

How can I get my cable company to lower my bill? ›

TV plans run between $55 and $250 monthly, with the average cable TV plan costing around $83 a month. The average cable TV plan costs around $83.

You can watch cable channels with a streaming player using cable alternative services or access select channels available in your area for free with an HDTV antenna. A streaming player is a great place to start saving money over cable—all you need is a TV and high-speed internet.

The best way to scrimp on cable TV rates is to look for the basic or starter package your local service provider offers. You could also try to reduce your premium channels and extra equipment. If you need more than one service, it helps to look for deeply discounted bundled offers. Should I choose a contract-free plan?

Otherwise, say something like: “Thanks, but the problem isn't that I don't have enough to watch, it's that my monthly bill is too high. What can you do to lower my bill?” You can often get free ancillary services in addition to a lower monthly bill.

Using smart TVs and streaming devices

For those wondering how to watch TV without cable, smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV provide the answer.

The majority of your cable bill is taken up by these top-flight channels. Then there's a large substratum of channels that are beloved by a smaller number of people, channels that might not be massive draws but grab large niche audiences that really care about what they program.

Yes, you are not required to subscribe to a cable TV package or other services from your cable provider in order to get internet access. Most providers offer internet-only packages that are less expensive than bundled internet, cable, phone, and other services.

Does a smart TV need a cable box? ›

Do you need a cable with a Smart TV? The answer to the question is both a yes and a no. It depends on how much cable TV you watch and what sort of channels you watch regularly. As all sorts of content move online, nowadays, you can buy a subscription to most of the channels to watch live TV.

How long will cable TV exist? Asking when people will stop paying for cable is a tough question, but the short answer is: not anytime soon. Even with more and more folks subscribing to streaming services, the majority of people with cable don't see themselves getting rid of it in the foreseeable future.

Does Xfinity offer senior or military discounts? Xfinity does not currently offer any senior-specific discounts. But it does provide general assistance discounts that many older adults may be eligible for, such as Internet Essentials if you are on Medicaid, a VA pension, or have other qualifying circ*mstances.

Odds are, it's still more affordable to cut the cord and keep streaming even if you upgrade your internet speed. In 2020, the average U.S. cable TV bill topped $217.42 per month, making it one of the most expensive household utility bills.

You may file a complaint with the FCC if you feel that you have been a victim of unlawful billing practices by a cable company.

Internet service providers (ISPs) are often willing to negotiate lower rates to keep customers happy, but that doesn't mean they just roll over because you demand a lower monthly bill. To have the best chance of success, you need to do some research and develop a strong argument for your proposed discount.

So why are most cable companies raising their prices? “The cost of cable TV content is increasing, particularly the broadcast TV content and the sports content,” said Leichtman. Cable and satellite companies must pay fees to carry broadcasts from local channels and national networks.

Why is cable so expensive? With cable TV, you pay for your monthly package, channel add-ons, equipment rental, movie rentals, taxes, fees, and maybe a few pay-per-view events in a year. Then you have all the network infrastructure, maintenance costs, and other labor involved with keeping cable coming into your crib.