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So you’ve decided you want to get cable TV service so that you can watch your favourite shows and movies with friends and family. Great idea! You probably think this will be pretty easy, right?
Well, with all the cable TV providers available in your area, you may find it a bit overwhelming telling what is the cable TV provider that best fits your needs and budget. Sure, that big provider offering you an all-inclusive TV package might look great, but will they raise your price after you sign up or even offer you poor customer service?
Luckily for you, choosing the best cable TV provider doesn’t have to be a daunting task as long as you know what to look for when you’re doing your research.
Just follow these few steps to find the best provider for you, and soon you’ll be enjoying your favourite channels.
1. Check Which Cable TV Companies Service Your Area
When you think of cable TV, the large national provider Virgin Media probably comes into your mind since you see their commercials and ads all the time.
But did you know that you can actually find smaller cable TV providers that service your particular region? One of these is WightFibre that offers cable TV, Internet and phone service in the Isle of Wright.
Some remote areas may not even have cable television service available and instead may rely on alternatives like satellite broadband and VAST satellite service.
To find out if a particular provider services your address, visit its website and look for a link to check for availability. You can always chat with a customer service representative online or over the phone to ensure your address has service.
Now that you know what your cable TV provider options are, research them online to see what other customers say about the quality of service, any customer service issues, and ease of setup. This will help you select some good quality options.
2. Consider the Channels and Any Additional Services You Need
Once you know your options for cable services, it’s time to decide which channels you must have and whether you want home phone and internet access as well.
A good place to start is to look at the packages on different providers websites and use each site’s comparison tool.
For example, Virgin Media’s cable TV options include anywhere from 70 to 260 channels, although availability of BT Sport and Sky channels vary by package. Luckily, the site makes it easy with detailed channel lists you can go through and make your decision.
If you’re looking for phone and internet service too, now’s the time to explore the provider’s bundle options as well. You’ll often find the lowest-priced bundles offer the slowest internet speeds and least channels, while the top bundles come with features like 4K video, the fastest broadband internet, and unlimited phone service.
3. Choose the Service That Fits Your Budget
So, you’ve narrowed down and researched your local cable providers and have a good idea of the packages that interest you. Now, it’s finally time to pick the best service you can afford.
While that high-end package might look awesome, you may have to settle for a low-end or mid-tier option if you’re a bit tight on funds.
Also, be aware that the prices you see on the cable TV providers’ websites are often for a one-year contract, meaning you’ll be paying more once that time is up. You don’t want to choose a package that you won’t be able to afford next year!
Once you’ve chosen a package, it helps to check if the company’s offering any unadvertised special deals for new customers. This is when personally calling the cable company you pay off – literally!
And You’re Ready to Get Connected!
Congrats! You’ve made it through the hard parts of choosing the best cable television service for you.
Now, you can go ahead and sign up online, or you could give the company a call to arrange installation. In a short while, you’ll be all set up and ready to enjoy your new cable TV service.
For more TV news and advice, be sure to explore our blog!
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
